We recently had the opportunity to visit a construction project in Kingston, which is situated in a designated conservation area. The house in question underwent a renovation approximately 30 years ago when the current clients initially purchased it, and they subsequently made only minor adjustments to the internal layout. There were some structural changes made in the past, including the removal of a structural wall and a chimney in the kitchen area, which altered the flow of the space. Our proposal focused on moving the kitchen toward the front of the house, which would allow for the dining room and seating area to be relocated to the back, enhancing the overall flow and functionality of the space. We also allowed for new Crittal Style doors for the rear of the house, as well as a double glazed door that would link the large corridor to the newly designated seating area. The original layout included a WC and utility room positioned at the back. In our proposal, we suggested creating a new WC by slightly reducing the size of one of the front reception rooms, which would in turn free up valuable space at the back for improved living enjoyment. The end result of these changes will be a beautifully designed, bright, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space that showcases stunning views of the rear garden. More images are set to follow soon!
New project in Wandsworth
We have been appointed to act as Architects for a new project located in Wandsworth.
The existing house, which has seen better days, requires a thoughtful refurbishment, and this will provide an opportunity to optimize the internal layout of the property.
The project will feature several alterations on all levels of the home:
At level -1, we will create built-in storage under the stairs and form a large, welcoming opening towards the rear garden with either bi-folding or sliding doors that enhance connectivity.
At ground floor level, we will explore various alternative kitchen layout configurations to improve functionality and flow.
At first floor level, we will omit a bathroom in order to allocate more space to one of the two bedrooms as the clients confirmed their strong need for additional storage space.
At second floor level, the existing bathroom will undergo a complete refurbishment, and a new rear dormer will be carefully designed to enhance both aesthetics and space.
Additionally, the project will include the installation of acoustic panels in correspondence with the party walls, aimed at enhancing sound insulation and overall comfort for the occupants. Alongside this, new side windows will be added to improve the lighting conditions within the space, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere.
House extension in Teddington under construction
We had the opportunity of meeting on site with both the contractor and the structural engineers to discuss important technical details related to our project involving a house extension in Teddington. This ambitious project will encompass a complete redesign of the interior spaces of the house, along with the addition of a ground floor rear extension. This extension will facilitate the formation of a spectacular and inviting open plan kitchen, living, and dining area that will enhance the overall functionality and aesthetic appeal of the home.
Project in Sutton completed
We recently had the opportunity to visit and explore one of our completed project involving a roof extension and garage conversion for a three-bedroom detached house located in Sutton. This charming property featured a rear extension at the ground floor level, which had been constructed by the same client several years ago. The original project plan included a loft extension; however, this particular aspect was not implemented at that time. In 2021, the client decided to appoint Square One Architects with the intention of converting and extending the loft space to create a new bedroom, an en-suite bathroom, and a dedicated dressing area. Additionally, the project encompassed the conversion of an existing garage into a functional garden office tailored for remote work or leisure. The end result is truly exceptional, as the new roof extension integrates seamlessly with the existing structure of the house, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. More photos showcasing this transformation will be made available in the near future.
Project completed in Hampton
We recently had the opportunity to visit a newly built project located in Hampton. The client initially approached us in 2023 with the request to extend the ground floor of their four-bedroom property. The roof of the property had been extended by the previous owners back in 2021. The clients expressed a desire to undertake a ground floor side return extension to effectively infill their existing patio space. However, they made it clear that they were not interested in extending the rear of their property beyond the current rear elevation. The proposed plans also included the removal of certain walls to create a more open plan living space that would accommodate a new kitchen and dining area. In alignment with the existing staircase, a new area was designed to function as both a utility room and a guest WC. Daylight was a significant consideration for the clients; they wanted to ensure a clear and unobstructed line of sight from the entrance door to the new opening at the back of the property.
Ideas and tips for yoga in the home
Our project for a loft extension in Kingston was recently featured on the German version of Homify in an article above yoga spaces in homes:
Inspirierende Ideen und Tipps für die Yoga-Ecke zu Hause | homify
Porch and garden office to Locally Listed Building in Hampton Hill
We recently had the opportunity to visit a small yet noteworthy project that was completed in the charming area of Hampton Hill. The client expressed a desire to replace her existing porch with a brand new one that would enhance both functionality and aesthetics. The previous structure had suffered from significant subsidence issues that rendered it unsafe and unsuitable for use any longer. In addition to the porch, the project scope also included the construction of a garden office located at the back of the property. The existing building is Locally Listed and is situated within a designated Conservation Area, which made the planning application process particularly challenging and intricate. The resulting design of the new porch has been carefully crafted to ensure it is harmonious with the existing building, maintaining the architectural integrity of the property. The application was additionally supported by an arboricultural statement, as every tree on site was recognized as having Tree Preservation Orders (TPO). The materiality of the garden office has been thoughtfully designed to relate to the surrounding environment, with timber cladding that blends seamlessly with the timber fences and existing vegetation. We were very pleased with the final outcome; both the porch and the garden office stand out as very successful additions to this beautiful property, enhancing its overall charm and functionality.
Rear extension in Epsom completed
Today, we visited a completed rear extension project for a 3-bedroom house in Epsom.
The property included both a roof extension and an original outbuilding on the ground floor, shared with the neighbouring property.
The client aimed to extend the property towards the rear, incorporating a side return that would extend 7m deep, all while preserving a side alleyway.
The new extension features a kitchen seamlessly integrated into an open-plan dining area.
Facing northeast, the rear of the property required careful planning to maximize daylight. Therefore, selecting the right size and placement of doors, windows, and rooflights was crucial.
To comply with planning advice, we reduced the eaves height of the rear extension towards the detached neighbour and designed a pitched roof for the side return section, with an external eaves height of approximately 2.2m. This design element not only became a distinctive feature of the space but also allowed the installation of wide roof windows, which flood the open-plan area with natural light.
We and the clients are delighted with the final result, which beautifully enhances the home's functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Wrap around extension in Teddington
We recently received the latest photos from one of our ongoing construction sites located in Teddington. The project is proceeding at a good pace and it is anticipated that the roof will be finalized very soon. The client appointed us in 2023 to design a new wrap-around extension to their four-bedroom semi-detached house in Teddington. The property previously featured a non-original rear conservatory, which was built in 1983, along with a utility room and study that emerged from the conversion of an existing garage. Unfortunately, both of these spaces were poorly constructed and inadequate to meet our clients’ evolving needs. Our proposals involved extending the rear of the property by 3 meters across its full width to create a spacious open-plan area that includes a new kitchen, dining area, and sitting area. Additionally, the wrap-around extension allowed for the formation of a new utility room and a water closet, as well as a study and separate area for coats toward the front of the house. We are looking forward to uploading more photos in the near future to showcase the progress and details of this exciting project.
Site visit in Thames Ditton
We are thrilled to announce the completion of a long-term project in Thames Ditton. This property already had an existing extension and conservatory, but the spaces felt separated. Whilst the conservatory received plenty of natural daylight, a large separating wall meant that the kitchen and playroom were lacking in light, making them feel smaller and slightly detached.
Our solution was to remove the existing conservatory and replace it with a solid extension, creating a deeper plan and connecting living space with the kitchen. Sensitively placed skylights were added for additional daylighting. A stylish new kitchen has been installed, as well as large sliding doors which allow for uninterrupted views down the garden and beyond. A sleek new decking, helping to merge the living space with the garden, creates more spaces for relaxing and hosting loved ones.
However, this project didn’t come without its challenges. Early on, we encountered unexpected issues with the terrain. With the property being in a flood risk zone, the ground was far softer than anticipated which required our team, alongside the exceptional contractors and engineers, to rethink approaches to foundations and details, so that the project stayed on track and met our high standards.
Despite the challenges, we couldn’t be prouder of the final outcome, which has transformed this Thames Ditton home into a modern, functional, and beautiful space that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Site visit in New Malden
Today we visited our recently finished project in New Malden. This property has come a long way since 2023. Damaged by flooding and in need of refurbishment, we worked carefully with our client and successfully equipped this 4-bedroom house with a spacious new extension. Whilst the house previously felt quite dark and small, the new addition of large glazed elements now brings plenty of light into the space, as well as creating a connection with the garden allowing for an improved flow and functionality to the home. The decision to retain existing elements like the curved staircase has created a blend between the existing house and the contemporary style of the extension which makes the living space truly unique. A high quality of craftsmanship and design can be seen through the property in the joinery and detailing. We are extremely pleased with the finished product and professional photos will follow later this year.
New project in New Malden nearing completion
We are thrilled to announce that one of our recent projects in New Malden, a contemporary rear extension on a 4-bedroom detached house, is nearing completion. Having recently purchased the house, our client wanted a full refurbishment with a vision of creating a more habitable space with a focus on natural daylight. The current kitchen was to become a snug and the existing dining area was to be expanded towards an underutilized rear patio, facilitating the creation of a seating and living space.
This has now come to fruition, with a large glazed portion of the new extension framing views and beautiful exposed timber joists with an inset skylight providing increased daylighting. We have worked in close collaboration with the client, choosing tasteful and fitting products to suit the new space, such as light fittings and the large two-sided built-in fireplace in the centre of the plan, creating a feature of a structural wall. A previously small and only functional kitchen and dining room has become a perfect living space suited for the young family.
The new extension seen from the kitchen space
The new seating and dining area part of the open plan layout
3 Brilliant Rear Extension Ideas That Will Transform Your Home
Rear extensions are a perfect way to add more space and enhance the overall appeal of your property. In this article, we will explore three brilliant rear extension ideas that will transform your home into a contemporary haven.
From creating an open-plan living area to designing a stylish home office, these ideas cater to various needs and preferences. With the right design, you can make the most of your backyard space and enjoy a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor living.
With careful planning and professional guidance, you can achieve a successful transformation that not only meets your requirements but also exceeds your expectations.
Rear Extension Ideas for Additional Living Space
If you're craving more room for relaxation and socializing, consider extending your home to create an additional living space. This can be designed as a family room, a spacious lounge area, or a versatile entertainment zone where you can host gatherings and events.
To make the most of the new living space, think about incorporating features like skylights or large windows to bring in natural light and create an airy atmosphere. You could also consider adding a fireplace or a built-in entertainment system to enhance the comfort and functionality of the room.
Whether you envision a modern minimalist design or a comfortable retreat with plush seating, the options for customizing your additional living space are endless.
Rear Extension Ideas for a Kitchen Expansion
Expanding your kitchen with a rear extension can transform the heart of your home into a spacious and functional culinary haven.
When planning a kitchen extension, consider features like an island or breakfast bar, high-quality appliances, and ample storage to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of the space. Incorporating natural materials, stylish finishes, and efficient lighting can elevate the overall look and feel of your extended kitchen.
Furthermore, creating a seamless transition between the kitchen and outdoor dining area can enhance the entertainment value of your home. By incorporating bi-fold doors or a glass wall, you can open up the space to the garden, allowing for easy indoor-outdoor flow during gatherings and social events.
Rear Extension Ideas for a Playroom or Entertainment Area
Designing a playroom or entertainment area in your rear extension is a fantastic way to create a fun and versatile space for both children and adults. Whether you're looking to set up a dedicated play area for kids, a home theatre for movie nights, or a game room for entertainment, a rear extension offers the perfect opportunity to customize your space.
When planning your playroom or entertainment area, consider features like built-in storage for toys and games, comfortable seating for movie nights, and versatile furnishings that can adapt to different activities. Incorporating playful design elements, such as colorful accents, wall decals, and interactive features, can enhance the appeal and functionality of the space.
Furthermore, creating a flexible layout with designated zones for different activities can maximize the usability of the room. Whether it's a cosy reading nook, a gaming corner, or a crafting area, designing a multifunctional playroom or entertainment space can cater to various interests and preferences within your household.
Factors to Consider When Planning a Rear Extension
Before embarking on a rear extension project, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure a successful and seamless transformation of your home. First and foremost, establish a clear vision for the purpose and design of the extension, taking into account your lifestyle, preferences, and long-term goals.
Next, consult with an architect to assess the feasibility of your ideas and create a detailed plan that meets building regulations and structural requirements. Consider aspects such as natural light, ventilation, insulation, and access to utilities when designing your rear extension to optimize comfort and efficiency.
Furthermore, budgeting and timeline planning are crucial aspects to consider when undertaking a rear extension project. Once you have drawings, obtain multiple quotes from reputable contractors, factor in potential contingencies, and create a realistic timeline for the construction process to ensure a smooth and cost-effective execution.
Lastly, communicate openly with your neighbors and local authorities to address any potential concerns or regulations related to the extension project. By maintaining transparency and compliance with legal requirements, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a harmonious relationship with the community throughout the construction process.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, rear extensions offer a wealth of possibilities for transforming your home into a modern, functional, and stylish living space. Whether you're looking to create additional living space, a home office, a kitchen expansion, a playroom, or any other customized area, rear extensions provide the flexibility to design a space that caters to your needs and preferences.
By carefully planning and executing your rear extension project with the guidance of professionals and considering key factors such as design, functionality, budget, and regulations, you can achieve a successful transformation that enhances the value and appeal of your property. With the right vision and expertise, your rear extension can become a seamless and integrated part of your home, offering endless possibilities for relaxation, entertainment, work, and wellness.
Our recent site visit to a project in Hampton
We recently had the opportunity to visit one of our most recent projects, a stunning glass extension in Hampton. Our client first approached us back in 2022 with the vision of replacing their dated conservatory with a modern rear extension filled with expansive glass panels. The primary goal was to relocate their kitchen area to overlook the rear garden. While planning the new layout to have an open-plan design, the client expressed a strong desire to preserve some of the charming 1920s architectural elements of the house, opting to keep the original wall separating the kitchen from the dining area. Despite the numerous advantages of a fully glazed extension, such as increased natural light and connection to the outdoors, it posed challenges in terms of thermal efficiency and compliance with building regulations. Typically, glass extensions are classified as conservatories, requiring a clear separation between the glazed space and the rest of the house. For this project, we worked closely with the glazing supplier and approved inspector to navigate these challenges successfully, resulting in a harmonious blend of a glass extension and an open-plan layout. Additionally, the project scope encompassed converting an existing garage into a multi-purpose room with a specially designed disabled lift, further enhancing the functionality and accessibility of the home.
Coming soon: professional photographs of two new projects
Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to collaborate with our talented photographer to capture the essence of two of our latest completed projects. The session allowed us to showcase the intricate details and innovative designs that define our architectural vision.
The photos showcasing our latest project will be available for viewing in our dedicated project section shortly. Be sure to stay tuned so you don't miss out on this exciting update!
House extension in Surbiton
The existing property was Locally Listed (a Building of Townscape Merit) and featured several extensions to the rear, which included a kitchen extension, a conservatory, a utility area, and a guest WC. Due to these extensions, the layout of the ground floor at the back of the house felt somewhat disconnected. The client expressed concerns about the conservatory's extreme temperatures - too hot in the summer and too cold in winter. Throughout the project, we explored the idea of a side return extension to open up the space, creating a more expansive kitchen and dining area. Our focus was to maintain the current airy feel while enhancing natural light and ensuring adequate insulation. Additionally, the ground floor extension incorporated a new utility space, pantry, and guest WC in different areas. A key element of the project involved enlarging the existing patio to improve the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, removing the raised step between the paved area and the garden for a seamless connection.
House extension in Thames Ditton
This detached house in Thames Ditton originally featured a non-original double garage and a rear extension constructed around 20 years ago. Unsatisfied with the layout, the clients opted to reconstruct the garage and introduce a new side extension complete with a side access. The envisioned extension included a utility room overlooking the front of the house, additional kitchen and garden storage facing the rear, and a link to the existing guest WC refurbished as a wet room. The kitchen area was expanded towards an underutilized side patio, facilitating the transformation into an open-plan social hub encompassing a spacious dining zone adjacent to the new kitchen. The former pantry was relocated to the former utility area, enhancing the kitchen and dining space. A newly added covered porch at the rear established a seamless connection between the house and the garden.
New project in Surbiton
We are happy to have been appointed to redesign a spacious 4-bedroom semidetached house located in Surbiton. The property showcases a non-original 1980’s first-floor side extension situated above a previously converted garage, now a habitable space. Our plans include expanding the existing kitchen to the rear and side to create a more cohesive layout. Additionally, a new pantry, utility room, and guest WC will be added at the ground floor level. Transforming the current garage room into a home gym, we will raise the floor to blend seamlessly with the rest of the ground floor. In preserving its charming veranda, we aim to enhance its integration with the overall design.
Upstairs, our focus will be on improving the hallway by introducing more natural light. A partial extension towards the rear at the first floor will provide an additional bedroom. Overall, our redesign involves various alterations to the internal layout, including the removal of chimneys in reception and bedrooms to create a modern and functional living space.
The project has recently progressed to the stage of submission for a pre-application with the Kingston planning department. Our team is looking forward to engaging in fruitful discussions with the planning officer. We are prepared to adjust our proposals as needed to ensure alignment with requirements and achieve an optimal configuration for the project.
We will provide visual updates at a later point in the process to capture and showcase the evolution of the project.
New project in Kingston
Square One Architects is thrilled to share that we've been chosen to work on expanding a detached house in Kingston. This project gives us the chance to improve the current building by smoothly combining traditional and modern elements to make a practical and balanced living area. Our team is excited to collaborate with the client and develop creative designs that go beyond their needs.
The project will involve big changes to all parts of the property. It includes adding a new extension at ground level, an infill extension at first floor level, and extending the roof. These changes aim to make the property more practical, improve its layout, and make it look better. The project will be done thoughtfully, making sure the new parts fit well with the original design to create a unified structure.
The ground floor of the property will be designed to integrate the kitchen, dining, and living areas into an open plan layout, fostering a sense of spaciousness and fluidity. Additionally, the inclusion of a new utility room, pantry, and guest WC adds functionality and convenience to the living space. On the first floor, two bedrooms, a study, and a family bathroom will provide ample accommodation for residents. The proposed roof extension is intended to accommodate a new master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe, adding a touch of luxury to the property's upper level.
We'll be posting more images to show the progress of the project. Keep an eye out for more glimpses of our current and upcoming architectural projects.
Planning Approval for a ground floor extension to a semidetached house in Epsom, Surrey
We are happy to announce that Square One Architects has successfully obtained planning approval for a ground floor extension project in Epsom, Surrey. The new extension elegantly integrates modern design with the existing traditional structure, enriching the living space while enhancing the property's functionality and aesthetic appeal.
This achievement shows our commitment to protecting the history and aesthetic appeal of current buildings while adding modern solutions. We are grateful that our idea has been accepted by the local authority once again, proving our skill in making balanced, innovative architectural designs for our communities.
The project will now transition into the detail design phase, marking a crucial step in the architectural process. During this phase, our team will refine the planning drawings to a higher level of detail, ensuring they are well-prepared for tender and eventual construction. This stage demands a comprehensive focus on technical specifications, material selections, and intricate design elements as we strive to bring the project to life in a tangible and executable manner. Our goal is to create drawings and documents that show the design vision and meet high standards, getting ready for a successful construction.
Stay tuned for more info and insights on this exciting project!
New project in Esher, Surrey
Square One Architects will design the redevelopment and extension of a large detached house in Esher. This exciting project presents a unique opportunity to transform a beautiful residential property in need of repair into a modern home, seamlessly blending timeless elegance with modern functionality. Our team at Square One is excited to use our architectural skills to redesign the current space, making a high-quality and unique living area that goes beyond what the client expects.
At Square One Architects, we understand the importance of preserving the rustic charm of a property while meeting the evolving needs of a growing family. We are committed to working closely with the client to retain the authentic character of their home, incorporating elements of its history and charm into our design. By seamlessly blending the old with the new, we aim to create functional and versatile spaces that accommodate the family's changing lifestyle. Our design approach will embrace the property's unique features and infuse it with modern amenities to ensure a harmonious balance between tradition and contemporary living.
We're working on a vision that meets our client's needs and shows our commitment to innovative design. As we continue developing the project, we'll share more updates and insights. Stay tuned for more details as we work on bringing this vision to life.
Our outlook for 2024
Since the onset of the pandemic, residential clients have faced a considerable surge in construction costs due to inflation, presenting a challenge for those looking to embark on building or renovating projects. At Square One Architects, we understand the growing concerns surrounding these escalating costs and their implications for the upcoming year. As we look ahead to 2024, our outlook remains cautiously optimistic.
The construction industry will keep adapting to the new normal. Costs might still change, but smart planning, creative designs, and careful project management will stay important. We'll keep an eye on trends and use our knowledge to offer architectural solutions that fit today's economy.
It seems that we have captured the attention of several contractors who are expressing interest in being considered for inclusion in tender lists for upcoming projects. This surge in inquiries hints at a potential downturn in their workload compared to the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. On the upside, this situation may present an opportunity for clients to leverage the increased availability of contractors and potentially capitalize on more competitive pricing for their projects.
On the other hand, it's not uncommon for some of the best contractors we collaborate with to remain consistently busy. While this can sometimes pose challenges in coordinating project timelines, it also speaks to their reliability and expertise. This development is worth monitoring closely as we assess the potential impact on project costs and timelines.
In terms of materials, the market appears to have stabilized with prices showing less volatility. This trend brings a sense of assurance and predictability to the construction industry, allowing builders and clients to plan and budget with more confidence.
In the ever-changing realm of economic climate, it remains a challenge to accurately predict fluctuations in advance. The volatile nature of financial markets means that situations can rapidly shift, impacting construction costs and project budgets. Despite this uncertainty, it is paramount for architects to prepare detailed drawings and specifications well in advance. By thoroughly documenting the design intent and outlining precise material requirements, we can effectively pin down costs prior to construction.