Initially planning permission was obtained to provide significant extensions and remodeling to the existing house. Once permission had been granted it became clear that the completed project would benefit from being a complete new-build and a planning application for a replacement dwelling was then submitted and approved.

The main entrance and hallway is the area where we meet and orientate ourselves. For this project this area has been designed to link with the external spaces at the front and rear of the property. A vista runs right through the central axis of the home providing views of the trees in the rear garden from the front drive. All private spaces within the home are then accessed from this central hallway, with balconies above providing places to sit at high level overlooking the rear garden.

View looking to front door. Translucent glazing is provided either side of the door to maintain privacy.

Views of hallway and feature staircase.

View looking down from first floor landing to entrance hall below.

The rear of the house is designed around the central axis and the front entrance portico has been extended right through to the rear elevation. Either side the form of the house has been designed to respect the local scale and character of the area, and the window and door openings have been positioned to respond to the requirements of the internal uses.

Our clients wanted a sitting area, slightly to the side of the main kitchen, that connected to the rear garden and patio areas, and in this instance an open-corner has been achieved providing uninterrupted views and access.

View of large open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting area. The doors to the left are on axis with the main entrance hall and the ceiling above has been cut back to allow more natural light further into the heart of the house. Above a quiet area to sit with a glass balustrade is provided off the main landing and looking over the rear garden.

Kitchen design is often undertaken by the client’s preferred choice of kitchen designer and we provide detailed setting out drawings so that the kitchen designers can then model their proposals in 3D. We work closely with the contractor and kitchen company to ensure the finished project is fully coordinated.

View from the kitchen island looking towards the sitting area and out to the rear garden. The choice of rear doors can make a big difference to the feeling of the interior space. Some cheaper bi-folding door systems incorporate very wide vertical frames every one metre or so. In this project a more sophisticated sliding door system has been installed that has very thin vertical frames so that the connection with the garden is maximised.

Open corner to sitting area looking out to rear patio and garden.

Left: sitting area. Right: view from kitchen to dining area.

View from sitting area cross kitchen to entrance hallway and dining area.

Dining area.

The palette of materials are gradually refined as the project progresses and samples can be obtained as required.

Left: sketch of existing house. Right: sketch of proposal.

3D cut section through entrance hallway showing initial relationships to other more private spaces.

Technical CAD ground floor plan. We work closely with a structural engineer and other specialist consultants to ensure the completed project is fully co-ordinated and visible beams and columns are minimised. We can also prepare electrical power and lighting layouts; central heating layouts and designs for other simple building services. Occasionally we would recommend a Building Services consultant for more complex projects.

Technical CAD first floor plan.

Technical CAD second floor plan.

Detailed section drawing issued for construction purposes.

Detailed section drawing issued for construction purposes.