First images of our new project for a loft extension in Hampton

We recently got planning approval for a loft extension project to a large detached house in Hampton. The project includes a new master bedroom, dressing area, a large bathroom and a new study opening on the extended staircase. We are now working on the detail design phase, more images will follow.

The client for this project provided Square One Architects with a brief that could be summarized as a loft extension for their Victorian 4-bedroom detached house located in the heart of Hampton and within the Hampton Village Conservation Area.

The property in question, an impressive large historic house built in the XIX century, was peculiar being detached from the neighboring property by a very narrow nominal gap.

The property had also been extended to the rear in more than one occasion and it featured a partly pitched and partly flat roof.

Unfortunately, the pitched roof did not have enough head height to form a habitable loft extension so one of the main requirements of the project from a planning perspective was to raise the ridge of the existing roof to meet the required standards.

It was agreed with the client to prepare a pre-planning application for a design that would involve raising the ridge of the existing roof and extending it towards the back. This configuration provided enough space for a master bedroom, a large bathroom, dressing area and a study.

Another request from the client was to keep the existing stair of the house as bright as possible. The presence of a very large skylight above the new stair and a large central shaft guarantees that this request is successful met.

Following the pre-planning application, the external look of the extension was slightly changed to introduce a mansard profile towards the rear and three conservation style dormers. This alteration was met very positively by the local authority that subsequently provided planning approval for the proposals.

The result is a very large loft extension that is in keeping with the character of the Conservation Area and at the same time addresses is all the targets that our clients included in the initial brief.

New project in Hampton

We have been appointed to develop a loft extension and a ground floor extension to an interesting 1930's bungalow in Hampton. More images will follow in the near future

The client, a family of three with one child, approached us in 2019 with an ambitions project for their two bedrooms bungalow in Hampton. Bungalows have always a great potential in terms of further development due to their usually very large footprint.

In this case the existing bungalow had been extended to the rear, however the extension was not heated and poorly built. Another issue is that the previous owner had not opened the original rear wall of the property and because of this, the original rooms facing the back of the property had lost views and daylight. This is a very typical scenario and we had to face similar situations in the past, for example in the case of our project for a rear extension in Kingston that can be seen here.

The project is divided in three phases that include a loft extension, a side extension and a rear extension. In these circumstances we usually suggest designing the whole project in one go and then extrapolate the various elements to be built in different phases.

In this instance the first stage will involve extending the existing roof of the property to form two or three new bedrooms and a family bathroom. The project also involves extending the existing roof through side dormers that will allow to achieve the necessary head height throughout the second floor.

Two apex windows, along with a number of skylights, will provide daylight to the new bedrooms and will be one of he features of both the front and the rear façade.

We can’t wait to show more detailed drawings and start construction of this interesting project.

A-Frame house in Hampton completed

Our project for an A-Frame house in Hampton is finally completed. It was a challenging project due to the relationship between the new steel structure and the existing house, but we and the clients are very happy with the final result.

Our project for an A-frame extension to a 1930’s semi-detached house in Hampton was completed in late 2019.

During our last site visit we were very impressed by the dramatic internal volume created by the vaulted pitched roof extension and the impressive daylight intake from the gable windows, bifold doors and skylights located in both the pitched portion of the roof and the flat one.

This project presented its challenges on many levels, the first one related to planning and the second one was purely structural.

We discussed about the challenges that we encountered during the planning phase here.

From a structural perspective the project involved interconnecting the original 1930’s masonry structure of the house to the steel structure of the pitched roof extension, while at the same time opening the original rear wall of the property and the non-original rear wall of an existing flat roofed extension.

From our perspective the design of the steel beams that we received from the structural engineer had to be fully integrated within our drawings that had to consider other technical details such as insulation waterproofing etc...

In order to understand precisely how the structure would relate to any other architectural element, we used 3D models and analysed the various interconnections and this helped tremendously in informing our technical details and communicating our design intent to both the client and the contractor.

The result was well worth the effort and we are delighted to have received a very enthusiastic review from the client that can be seen on the project page by clicking here. We would like to thank all the parties involved in the project, but especially the client and the contractor for their effort into achieving this impressive internal space!

Loft extension in Hampton given planning approval

We recently received planning approval for a large loft extension to a detached house in a Conservation Area. These projects are always challenging due to planning constraints, but working in close collaboration with the Council can lead to a very positive outcome. We are now very excited to start the Detail Design phase, more images will follow soon!

The project is for a very large loft extension within a Conservation Area and as it always happens in these cases we had to go through several steps before receiving the formal approval.

The first one was to discuss the project with our clients and agree the overall design of the extension. Following this we sent the drawings to the Council to receive pre-planning application advice.

In this circumstance the pre-planning application proved to be extremely useful. We were able to engage in a very constructive conversation with the council and agree a design that would satisfy all the parties involved.

Our initial proposal was for a very modern looking loft extension including metal cladding and large doors and windows. The project also involved raising the ridge and the eaves of the existing roof.

Given the conservation status of the area we were not surprised when we received the first feedback from the council that suggested to use a more traditional language externally. We amended the proposals to include a mansard roof and smaller traditional looking dormers facing the rear of the property. We also included several roof lights that would not be visible from the street.

In the grand scheme of things this worked very well for us because we essentially achieved the same amount of space that we initially proposed. The daylight intake that we lost by reducing the size of doors and windows to the rear was regained by using skylights placed in strategic positions.

The result will be a gorgeous open space that will take advantage of a significant head height that matches the first floor of the property and very adequate daylight intake.

We can wait to see the project build and we'll update the blog in due course

Work in progress: House extension in Kingston

Another view of the preliminary design for a ground floor rear extension to a semi-detached house in Kingston. The intent is to integrate the existing window and chimney breast with the new kitchen, creating a low window seat that can be enjoyed by the family.

In this view we tried to highlight the relationship between the kitchen area to the left and the open plan dining space to the right. The seamless ceiling transition helps to make these two spaces feel connected and cohesive from a design perspective.

The same floor will be used for both the existing floor plan and the new extension, leaving the two structural piers as the only demarcation between the original rear of the house and the extended portion.

An interesting feature of the existing house is the presence of a side window that is our intention to turn into a window seat that will feel like an extension of the kitchen itself.

Window seats are a fun feature that help creating some interesting corners that can relate to other elements of the room, in this specific case the kitchen island and breakfast bar right in front of it.

The kitchen, island, window seat and the extension’s window and skylights will all contribute to create an interesting space to be lived by our clients.

Daylight and luminance analysis for an extension in Kingston

We regularly use analysis tools to predict the amount of daylight received in a space as a function of the openings size, location and moment of the year. In this view we are showing the predicted Luminance on the 21st of March at 12.00 for our new ground floor extension in Kingston.

Daylight analysis tools offer to foresee the exact amount of daylight received by a determined space in several moments of the year. These tools are always very helpful in general, but they play a crucial role in our designs. By scrolling through our project images it is easy to see that daylight intake is a common thread, we are convinced that daylight within a household plays an huge factor in the health and well being of its inhabitants and we feel a duty as Architect to try and optimize this factor in all our projects.

In the case of this project for a rear extension in Kingston, we analysed the daylight intake with a configuration of a sliding door at the right, a generous window at the left and three skylights placed in the middle of the rear extension’s ceiling. With this type of diagram, it is very easy to see that the daylight will be very evenly distributed throughout the floor plan without being overwhelming (refer to the area in green).

Lighting design is a complex discipline, but we try to explain these metrics and parameters to the clients in a very straightforward way so they can understand the rational behind the dimension of the openings in their extensions.

These tools have become an essential part of our work at any stages of the design, especially at preliminary stages prior to submitting a planning application. We look forward to seeing this project finished and show this point with the final pictures.

Work in progress: Rear extension in Kingston

Another image of our new project for a rear extension in Kingston featuring an open space kitchen/living/dining

This image highlights a very important design feature that is often overlooked, the seamless ceiling transition between the existing house and the new extension.

From a design perspective this is an ideal solution when we are dealing with flat ceilings with an identical head height. The lack of any beam or bulkhead separating the spaces creates the feeling of a cohesive space with one unobstructed ceiling. The other major advantage of this type of solution is that daylight coming from the skylights in the new extension does not get blocked by any obstructions at ceiling level. This guarantees optimal daylight distribution within the floor plan.

There are some structural implications with this type of solution that need to be assessed by qualified engineers and architects and discussed with he builder, however the end result is always wotlrth the effort. In the case of this project in Kingston the open plan will feel bright and spacious with a cohesive design that will give the impression of a very natural space that was always meant to be there.

We can’t wait to see this project finished and show how effective this solution can be through the final pictures. In the meantime you can see another project for a rear extension where a similar solution was adopted by clicking here.

A picture of the project in Wimbledon under construction can be seen here.

Work in progress: House extension in Kingston

First image of our new project for a rear extension in Kingston

Square One Architects have been appointed to redesign the rear extension of a large XIX century semi-detached house in Kingston.

The property in question was extended in 2003 by the previous owners however the clients were not happy with the overall design.

Their main complaint regarded the amount of daylight that they received within the ground floor of the property and the connection between the extension and the rest of the house. In fact, the existing extension was separated from the original rear of the property by a thick wall with two small openings causing the original rooms facing the back garden to be extremely dark.

This is very typical situation. Extending traditional properties without any consideration given to daylight intake always carries the potential risk of creating spaces that feel dark and separated.

The clients’ brief included the removal of the non-original extension and replacement with a new one that would allow a generous amount of daylight throughout the ground floor of the property. They also wanted to carry out some internal alterations that would allow to have a seamless connection between the existing spaces and the new extended section of the house.

The project also included moving the existing kitchen to the new open plan area, using the original kitchen space as a playroom.

As a practice we felt that we were the perfect match for this type of project given our expertise in residential design with a focus on the south west of London and our specialist expertise in lighting design.

The layout shown in the drawing above exemplifies our ideas for this project where the internal space formed by the existing house and the new extension feel like one.

A set of sliding doors, two large roof lights and a spectacular l-shaped window to the opposite corner will allow for daylight to be distributed throughout the floor plan.

Work in progress: Daylight analysis for one of our projects in Hampton

We usually determine the final dimension of doors and skylights using daylight analysis tools. These tools play a crucial role in our design process, allowing us to carefully assess and optimize the luminance levels on specific dates. For one of our ongoing projects in Hampton, we recently conducted a thorough analysis and the images below refer to a daylight simulation on March 21st at 12.00.

When it comes to predicting daylight levels, at Square One Architects, we rely on two key metrics: daylight factor and luminance. These metrics provide us with valuable insights, each with its own advantages and limitations. The daylight factor offers a straightforward snapshot of the projected average daylight levels, while luminance provides a more intricate analysis, taking into account factors such as orientation, the day of the year, and the time of day. By carefully cross-referencing these results, we can effectively communicate to our clients the reasons behind our optimized design choices for doors, windows, and skylights, tailored to their unique project requirements.

This particular project involves both a ground floor extension and a loft extension, posing unique challenges when it comes to daylighting. When it comes to the ground floor extension, it is of utmost importance to consider the predicted level of daylight in relation to the orientation of the building and the size of the glazed surfaces. Thankfully, in this case, the rear extension faces north, granting us the opportunity to incorporate generous glazed surfaces while minimizing the risk of overheating during the warmer summer months.

Work in progress: rear and loft extension in Hampton

We want to show you a beautiful picture of our latest project in Hampton. It's an extension at the back and on the top floor of a house. The picture shows a modern and impressive design with a lot of attention to detail. In the picture, you can see a playroom, a dining area, and an open plan kitchen. The design makes the space flow smoothly, which is great for relaxing and socializing.

At Square One Architects, we take pride in being able to explain our design ideas clearly to our clients. We often use 3D modelling tools to help our clients understand and appreciate our designs. These tools allow our clients to experience their future homes in a virtual way. This advanced technique makes it easier for our clients to imagine their dream homes. With our expertise in 3D modelling, we make sure to include a lot of detail and make everything look realistic. This helps our clients form a strong connection with their imagined spaces.

3D modelling comes particularly handy following the planning stage when clients are expected to take important decisions on their projects, such as materials, kitchen design, lighting, and many more. Utilizing 3D modelling technology allows architects to present clients with a variety of options in quick succession, enabling them to visualize the different possibilities with ease and make well-informed decisions. The ability to present multiple designs efficiently not only saves time but also enhances collaboration between the architect and the client, ensuring that the final outcome meets the client's expectations and preferences. By harnessing the power of 3D modelling, architects can bring ideas to life, enabling clients to make informed choices and ultimately leading to the creation of stunning, functional spaces.

Planning approval for one of our projects in Hampton

We are excited to announce that we have received approval to redesign a semi-detached house in Hampton. The project includes making changes inside to improve how the space works and looks. We are also thrilled to add an extension on the back of the ground floor, giving our clients more room and a better connection to the outdoors. A new extension in the loft will also be added to create a cozy retreat.

The strategic north-facing orientation of the back of the house presents an ideal opportunity for us to capitalize on the abundant natural light, as we can confidently design and incorporate expansive glazed surfaces without worrying too much about the potential negative effects of overheating.

We are now entering an important part of the project - the detailed design phase. This is when the project takes its final shape and gets ready for construction. During this phase, we will work closely with our clients, helping them make decisions on things like materials, lighting, windows, and more. These decisions will be carefully included in the final design, so that it matches what the clients want. The detailed design phase is a big step towards making the project a reality.

We can't wait to start working on this amazing home for our clients in Hampton.

Loft extension in the Hampton Conservation Area: new video under construction

We recently visited our project for a loft extension in a Conservation Area. This video shows the transition between the new stair to landing to the new master bedroom and en-suite.

The client approached Square One Architects in 2018 with the specific brief for their three-bedroom semi-detached house in the Hampton Village Conservation Area.

The intention was to use the loft of their property as a new master bedroom with an en suite. The room would take advantage of some very interesting views to the rear towards the Hampton Water Works and unobstructed daylight.

Given the fact that the property was in a Conservation Area, we suggested the client to go through a pre-planning procedure in order to obtain an informal feedback from the Council.

This was very useful, and it helped inform a second iteration of the design that included a mansard roof and two smaller lead dormers that was deemed to be more in keeping with the existing property and the character of the Conservation Area in general.

The original stair of the property, connecting the ground floor and the first floor, was very steep and its head height was already quite limited. One of the challenges of this project was to design the new stair contacting the first floor and second floor without further compromising the already limited head height at first floor level. Thanks to a very precise 3D model we managed to foresee the exact dimensions of the new stair in relationship to the existing one and this helped tremendously our communication with building control and the stair’s supplier before and during construction stage.

This loft conversion video was taken around the end of the construction process. The room feels bright and spacious and take advantage of the generous amount of daylight from the two new windows to the rear and two large skylights installed at the front of the property. The new bathroom was installed within the eaves of the roof and it is naturally lit by one further skylight facing the front of the dwelling.

More images to follow soon.

Loft extension in Twickenham

We are currently working on an interesting project for a rather unusual loft extension. Instead of using their roof as a bedroom, the clients want to form a new sitting area with a set of large doors at the back and skylights for star gazing

The project for this loft extension to a 1930’s semi-detached house in Twickenham started in March 2019.

The clients’ brief was rather unusual in the sense that they wanted to use the second floor of their extended property as a living space for their family rather than as a bedroom as it is often the case in these types of projects.

The client also requested a large skylight and doors facing the rear of the house for stargazing with their telescope.

Following an initial discussion and consultation, the client chose an option that involved converting a small bedroom at first floor level into a full height study area that also serves as a hallway for the new stair connecting first and second floor. This is a solution that we have used in other projects. The main advantage of this option is that only one door at first floor level is required, leaving the first-floor study/hallway and the second floor completely free from any partition.

At the top of this full height space it was decided to install two large skylights facing the front of the property. The orientation of the house, with its front facing the north, will allow to gain much daylight without any major risk of overheating.

The loft extension is facing south and in this part of the house it was agreed to install external doors with a juliet balcony and a large openable flat roof skylight.

Planning approval was obtained in early 2020 and we are now working on the Detail Design for this interesting and unique project.

We look forward to seeing this project build!

Render vs completed photo of our latest house extension in Byfleet & New Haw

It's always interesting to look back at the design and evaluate how the final product compares to the initial intent. In this image a photo realistic render (above) is compared to a final image of a kitchen space.

It is always essential to keep track of the relationship between designed spaces and final build project in order to verify the validity of our vision and take note of what has been improved during construction or what could have been built differently.

In the case of this project for or a rear and side extension to detached house in Byfleet and New Haw we were pleased to see that our 3D model rendering (first image above) looks very similar to what the contractor delivered on site.

First and foremost, the size of the openings and the subsequent amount of daylight received by the internal spaces was correctly predicted by the virtual analysis carried out through the rendering engine. Second, the materials that the client had chosen where confirmed to be a good match for the type of space that we had designed.

This project proves once again that 3D modelling and rendering tools can provide an invaluable help to both the Architect and the client.

By using these tools, the Architect can convey an idea in a very straightforward manner and the client can understand it right away, taking the necessary decisions when requested by the Architect.

We feel that the best stage to provide this type of drawings to a client is detail design where decisions about materials and certain technical details need to be finalised. Although there is a benefit in producing preliminary 3D models at earlier stages of the design, we see little point in generating super realistic images without any decision being made by the client regarding large items such as finishes, kitchen etc…

New project: Multi-Storey resi building in Walthamstow

We have been appointed to undertake the interior and lighting design of 9 apartments within a multi-storey residential building in Walthamstow.

Update: the project has been now completed, you can see the final pictures here

As leading resi Architects in London we were very pleased to engage in the process of designing and building a larger scale development and we were very pleased with the result.

We were appointed in 2016 by a developer company to design the interiors and artificial lighting for a multi-storey residential building in Walthamstow.

The developer had already obtained planning approval for the construction using another firm, however they were not totally happy with the internal layouts of the units the penthouse, where they thought the space could be optimized.

Square One Architects proposed several amendments to the internal layout of the property producing new plans but keeping the exterior of the building as originally designed in order to reflect what had been shown and agreed with the Council in the planning drawings.

In this instance Square One Architects produced updated plans, internal elevations and new lighting layouts for the new building providing a very relevant amount of additional information for the contractor to price and subsequently to build.

It was a very interesting project with a challenging brief due to tight deadlines and high standard expected by the client, nevertheless we enjoyed the process thoroughly and were very please to add a larger scale scheme to our rich project portfolio.

New Project: Home Extension in East Sheen

Check out here our new project for a major redevelopment of a charming single family house in East Sheen. With a focus on preserving the character and enhancing the functionality of the existing structure, our team at Square One Architects has undertaken a comprehensive renovation to create truly spectacular spaces.

The client's commitment to this project has been unwavering, serving as a driving force behind its success. From the very beginning, they demonstrated a deep understanding of the project's vision and goals. Their active involvement in the decision-making process and their eagerness to collaborate with all the consultants has been instrumental in ensuring that the project moves forward smoothly. Constant dialogue between the client and the consultants has fostered a strong sense of teamwork and allowed for the exchange of ideas, resulting in more innovative and effective solutions. This open line of communication has not only strengthened the relationship between the client and the consultants but has also led to a higher level of coordination and a deeper understanding of the project from all parties involved. The client's commitment, combined with continuous dialogue, has undoubtedly been a key ingredient for the success of this project.

We're excited to share that our year-long project is now finished. It's been an incredible journey of creativity, innovation, and teamwork. Today, we're releasing photos that show the amazing result of our hard work. These photos highlight our vision and attention to detail. We're very proud of the outcome, which reflects the synergy and passion of our team.

East Molesey ground and first floor extension

Construction of a ground and first floor extension in East Molesey has started. In the picture the vaulted ceiling master bedroom.

A sketch showing the proposed rear elevation of the property

Our project for a ground and first floor rear extension in East Molesey is now under construction.

We started this project at the end of 2016. The client owned a detached house very close to the river Ember and Hampton Court in East Molesey. The house benefited from direct access to the river from the back of the house.

From the very beginning the client wanted to achieve a two stories rear extension to include a new bathroom, a new master bedroom and an en-suite bathroom. The project would also include the several alterations and improvements to the ground floor of the property to achieve a new larger open plan including kitchen dining area and living space.

The project included the demolition of the existing first floor bathroom of the house. This was a part of a non-original first floor extension that had been built with poor quality lightweight materials in the past. This extension would be replaced with a new one featuring a pitched roof and much more in keeping with the existing.

The new ground floor open plan would open towards the rear of the property through a large set of sliding doors. The ground floor new layout also included a guest WC.

The project’s scope also included the replacement of the existing roof that needed repair due to several leaks.

The sketch above shows the rear elevation of the property in relation to the neighbouring houses.

We look forward to seeing this project built on site and we will update this blog accordingly.

New Project in Hampton Hill

We are thrilled to announce that we have been recently appointed as the chosen architects to undertake the exciting task of redesigning the ground floor of a stunning 1930 single-family house nestled in the heart of Hampton Hill. This project includes the addition of a rear extension, which is set to transform the entire space. We are looking forward to sharing more images of this project with you in the near future. Stay tuned for updates!

The clients have expressed a strong desire for their kitchen and dining room to be seamlessly connected, resulting in a spacious open plan area that offers breath taking views of the garden. We thoroughly explored this concept and came up with a design solution that not only achieves their vision but also enhances the flow of natural light throughout the space. To further enhance their connection with the garden, we also discussed extending a portion of the ground floor towards the rear to create a stunning sunroom. This thoughtful addition not only provides a tranquil space for relaxation but also allows for the creation of a carefully positioned patio that maximizes the benefits of daylight throughout the day.

The new sunroom will become a cherished addition to the house, providing the clients with a unique and tranquil space to appreciate the beauty of their rear garden. Designed with careful consideration, this sunroom aims to seamlessly integrate the indoors and outdoors, creating an extraordinary connection between the building and the natural environment. This harmonious fusion will be achieved through the strategic incorporation of expansive windows, skylights, and doors that allow an abundance of natural light to flood the room and offer beautiful views of the surrounding greenery. The resulting space will be a sanctuary within the envelope of the property, enabling the clients to unwind and enjoy nature from the comfort of their own home.

As part of the project scope, our team will incorporate a newly designed guest WC. In addition to that, we will be introducing an extra utility area/pantry to provide ample storage and ensure convenience for the homeowners.

First floor side extension in Hampton

We're happy to announce that the tender package for a side extension of a house in Hampton has been completed by our team at Square One Architects. We've prepared a detailed package that includes all the necessary specifications and documents for the construction process. We can't wait to see the transformation this extension will bring to the house, both in terms of how it works and how it looks. Our dedicated team is excited to oversee and guide the construction to make sure it meets our client's vision and our high standards.

In 2015, the client came to Square One Architects with a plan to improve their first-floor bathroom. They were not happy with the current layout, which had been hastily added onto an existing garage. They wanted a more practical and attractive space, so they asked for our expertise. Our solution involves tearing down the side extension and building a new one. This new addition would include a luxury dressing room with built-in closets, as well as a well-planned bathroom. But the client's vision extended beyond the house itself. They also asked us to improve their backyard, making it more usable. Our plans include adding new paving stones to the patio behind the house, creating a modern outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment. The client also want to explore the possibility of removing the existing greenhouse, to free up more space in the garden. The final goal is to create a beautiful and functional home, both inside and outside.

Claremont House, Esher

Another sketch that dates to 2015 of Claremont House in Esher, Surrey.

I was fascinated by this building due to its relevance in architectural history and the illustrious figures that contributed to its design. It is also another example of architecture that is very familiar with my northern Italian roots, given the obvious Palladian style of the house.

The history of Claremont House in Esher

The mansion dates to the 18th century and it is a fine example of Palladian architecture. The building was designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown with the help of his future son-in-law Henry Holland, since Brown saw himself more of a landscape designer then an architect. A young John Soane also worked as a draughtsman in Harry Holland office at the time. The client commissioned the project is 1769.

Aside from the obvious influence of Andrea Palladio, the interiors of Claremont House have been inspired by the work of Robert Adam.

The construction of the property was completed in 1774 the same year when the owner and client Lord Clive died aged fourty-nine.

Claremont House is obviously one of the highlights of Surrey architecture and it's worth the visit. Today the property is owned by the national trust and it is a Grade 1 Listed Building.