Starting off as a large but disproportionate 4 bed detached house, our client longed for a more open plan family space downstairs based around the kitchen and diner but, with 3 boys under 5, they also wanted an option of separation via a playroom, home office and substantial utility room.
The client provided us with a brief, and our architectural designs considered various layouts that incorporated as much of their wish-list as possible. Staged meetings were useful to progress the design, and after approximately 6 weeks from the initial consultation, we were ready to submit the planning application.
At this stage we were introduced to the clients ‘interior designer’ and we worked thoroughly to prepare the interior layouts as required including the electrical layouts, bathroom designs floor finishes, bespoke furniture inclusions and even considering tile types and paint colours. We also engage the services of a structural engineer who provides us with the required calculation and designs that allow us to understand the full extent of the required structural work involved and the materials required to achieve it. Within 4 weeks of commencement, the construction drawings and detailed specification were ready for us to provide a detailed quotation of works and submission to the local authority building control department.
As this was a full house remodel, the clients decided to move out for the construction period as the works were too intrusive into all areas for a young family to stay and live safely and undisturbed.
A vast amount of steelwork was required at the rear of the property in order to open up the space as required by the clients to help achieve a fantastic, open planned kitchen, diner and living space. Careful planning and diligent work procedures ensured that all the steelwork was erected safely and concisely.
Foundation works on the front extension proved complicated due to depth that the Local authority building control officer wanted us to go down to, due to the enormous existing Oak trees present at the front of the property. The deeper than usual foundations required us also to use a different subfloor method, block and beam flooring.
The property consisted of both facing brickwork, timber frame dormer section and areas with a rendered exterior finish. The bricks were a Hanson LBS heather whilst the render finish was a Weber K-Rend in chalk white.
The front extension roof area was constructed in traditional hand-cut method, with a Marley concrete peg tile finish whilst at the rear the extension was a traditional flat roof construction with integrated aluminium roof lanterns.
We gave extra consideration to the planning of equipment selection, finishes and layout of the two bathroom spaces. The en-suite bathroom was fitted with a comprehensive 1000 x 900 shower enclosure, and Aqualisa digital shower whilst the family bathroom consisted of a walk-in shower enclosure and separate bath. All of the components of the bathroom were sourced via our extensive network of quality and reliable merchants and suppliers.
The home was fitted with an unvented cylinder, pressurised heating system, all powered by a Worcester Bosh boiler situated in the loft area. All gas works were undertaken by a qualified and competent Gas Safe installer. Fitted throughout the property were a selection of traditional and decorative radiator types, all measured and sized correctly to ensure the correct heat requirements were easily met.
A traditional shaker style kitchen with marble work top finishes. The kitchen design and installation were undertaken alongside one of our suppliers @kitchenergonomics. The design centered around a large island which facilitated cooking, prep and seating options within.
The original garden was overgrown and much of the space was taken up with overbearing conifer trees. Removal of all the perimeter trees presented the client with a much larger space than the originally expected and… very dilapidated fencing! A new close board panel and concrete post perimeter fence was installed. Then a lower level patio, constructed from granite paving slabs, was created to provide ample seating and dining opportunities as well as hard-standing surfaces for the kids to ride bikes and scooters. The remaining top section of the garden was made laid to lawn, allowing for a softer surface to situate a kid’s activity playground and football goal area.
The customers were delighted with the final finish and were moved back into their property on the day originally agreed. Despite some logistical set back the team worked tirelessly to ensure that the home was ready for the customers to move into and that they moved into the home they had wished for and more.
