Project schedule #6 Rear Extension in Hampton Hill

Project schedule

Year: 2016-2017

Location: Hampton Hill, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

RIBA Design Stages: 0-5

Architect:

Square One Architects

Structural Engineer:

Wallace Wheating

Building Control:

Building Control Approval

This project for a rear extension in Hampton Hill dates to 2016.

The clients, a retired couple, asked us to extend their property to the back. The existing house was a typical 1930’s semi-detached dwelling with a large garden to the rear. The clients’ initial brief was for a straightforward three meters rear extension with some internal alterations that would allow them to have an open plan layout, however they had an additional request: to retain a sunny corner in their outdoor patio. This led to the decision to design a three meters rear extension built under Permitted Development that would not use the full width of the rear garden in order to retain the sunny corner that our clients loved so much.

In order to highlight this design intention, we proposed to have an L-shaped window that would provide views to the rear garden and to the side patio at the same time. A set of large French Doors was then designed to allow access to the site patio. The client was also very keen to use triple glazed Swedish windows and chose West Coast Windows as their supplier.

It was agreed with the client to have a flat roof extension reminiscent of the 1930’s minimalist approach that would create a nice contrast with the existing style of the house. In order to highlight this minimalist approach, we concealed all the rainwater pipes within the new walls.

The same logic informed the materials inside the extension where a herringbone wood floor was chosen for both the existing and the new section.

As we always do, we simulated the amount of daylight that the extension would receive depending on the moment of the year to guarantee that the new new space would be very bright at any moment of the year without any overheating.

The result is an extension that enhances the existing building and is very cohesive in terms of interior design with the rest of the property. In this circumstance we worked with an interior designer who happened to be our clients’ daughter in terms of internal materials and color palette. It was a very successful project that pleased all the parties involved.

Before and after images

Rear elevation

Dining and sitting area

Multi-storey residential building in Walthamstow

We are excited to announce that a beautiful residential building has been finished in the lively neighbourhood of Walthamstow. This achievement is a significant milestone for the architectural landscape of the area. At Square One Architects, we were involved in designing the interiors and lighting for nine stunning flats within this building. We paid close attention to detail and focused on creating spaces that are both modern and functional. Each flat is elegant and sophisticated, with a seamless flow and a combination of natural light and carefully selected materials that enhance comfort and create a peaceful atmosphere.
Furthermore, our team has gone the extra mile to design spaces that meet the different needs and preferences of potential residents. Whether you're looking for a small and comfortable apartment or a large and luxurious penthouse, each flat provides a special and customized experience that suits modern city living. We've carefully thought about every aspect, from the modern and attractive kitchens to the lavish bathrooms, to guarantee a perfect blend of style and practicality.

The photo below shows the stunning penthouse, highlighting its carefully designed interior. Every part of the space fits together beautifully to create a perfect balance between luxury and comfort. The penthouse has a calm and timeless beauty, with a consistent colour scheme and plenty of natural light flowing in through the large windows.

Below is an image of the large and stylish kitchen in the new penthouse in the neighborhood of Walthamstow. The kitchen has a modern design and appliances, making it a great place for cooking. In addition to the beautiful interior, the kitchen offers stunning views of the city and nature, creating a peaceful atmosphere while you cook. The kitchen is designed to be both practical and beautiful, making cooking a pleasant and inspiring experience for the lucky residents of the penthouse.

Project schedule #3 Rear extension in Teddington

This project for a rear extension in Teddington dates to 2017. The clients, a family of four with two small children, approached us asking for a complete remodeling of the ground floor of their house that would include a side extension and a large rear extension. The idea was to integrate within the existing spaces and in the new extended spaces a guest WC, a utility room, a small home office and a large open space to include a generous kitchen a dining area and a sitting area. The presence of some large rear extensions in the properties nearby served as a precedent in terms of planning. It's always very important to look around your property and see what your neighbors have built in the past. The rule of thumb is that if planners gave approval for an extension recently that precedent should be used to support the new application.

The product is characterized by large glazed surfaces including several flat roof skylights, two sets of French doors and a large window in correspondence on the kitchen area. The client was adamant to avoid having large bi-folding doors to the back, they wanted their extension to feel unique and to integrate traditional elements in its design. It was agreed to use Crittall style steel windows reminiscent of the 1930`s design. It was also agreed to leave some steel beams exposed. In these cases, any structural element needs to be treated with specific intumescent paint in order to avoid any fire hazard. This type of details was agreed with building control before the beginning of construction.

We are extremely pleased with the result and the client provided a wonderful feedback. The simple lines of the new extension are in keeping with the relatively straightforward design of the rear of the existing 1930’s house.

Before and after images

Rear elevation

Project schedule #2 Home extension in East Sheen

Project Schedule

Year: 2017-2018

Location: East Sheen, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

RIBA Design Stages: 0-5

Architect: Square One Architects

Structural Engineer: Glencross & Hudson

Building Control: Building Control Approval

The client for this project, a family of 5 with 3 small children, came to us in 2017 with a very specific brief. They had obtained planning permission using another architectural firm; however, they were not happy with the overall design.

The original project included a side extension, a rear extension and a first-floor infill extension. Despite getting planning approval for a significant additional square footage, the client was not very happy with the overall design and felt that not enough time and care had been spent in the  initial design phases (concept and schematic design) in order to agree a plan.

In this instance our first goal was to optimize the existing plan. Since the very beginning it became obvious that we would have had to go back to the planners with an amendment to the original planning application. The new plans were thoroughly discussed with the client until the layout was totally agreed.

Revised drawings were then submitted and subsequently agreed with the council. The side extension included a bedroom with a small living space and an en-suite bathroom to be used as a granny annexe for the clients’ aging parents.

The rear extension included an open plan kitchen, dining area and living space for the family.

The first-floor infill extension included a new large family bathroom (the original property was curiously lacking a shared bathroom and featured only two en-suite bathrooms).

The client also asked us to design a loft extension for the property an include a bedroom with an additional en-suite bathroom to be used by their au-pair.

The original four-bedroom house was turned into a generous 6-bedroom property with a well-proportioned family bathroom, three en suite bathrooms and plenty of open plan space to be shared with the client’s growing family. We were thoroughly pleased with the results and received a very positive feedback from the client.

BEFORE AND AFTER IMAGES

Rear elevation

Kitchen and dining area

Kitchen and living area

Ground floor entrance

Guest WC

Our latest project in Teddington

You can take a look at our most recent project showcasing a side and rear extension in Teddington by clicking here. This extension not only enhances the existing home but also creates additional functional space for the homeowners.

The client initially approached Square One Architects in 2017 with a vision of expanding their 3-bed semi-detached house in Teddington. With a desire for both a side and rear extension, it was clear from the outset that removing an underutilized and dilapidated garage would be necessary. By eliminating this underused structure, an opportunity arose to create a generous 6-meter deep extension to the rear. Additionally, the ground floor was extended by approximately 2 meters to the side to incorporate a convenient utility room, study and guest WC. Retaining direct access to the rear garden was made possible by a narrow passageway created on the side of the property.
While the client had initially expressed an interest in extending the loft as well as the ground floor, a deliberate decision was made after careful consideration to postpone this segment of the project. However, in 2021, Square One Architects successfully completed the loft extension, bringing a project that initially commenced four years ago to its fulfilling culmination.

Our latest project!

Check our latest project, the stunning Rear Extension in Hampton Hill here. In this project we have seamlessly merged contemporary design with the charm of the surrounding neighbourhood. This transformative addition not only enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the property, but also provides the homeowners with a functional and versatile living space. From the moment you step foot into this intelligently designed extension, you will instantly be captivated by the abundance of natural light that floods the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The sleek lines and modern finishes offer a fresh and stylish aesthetic, while the open-plan layout allows for seamless integration between the interior and exterior spaces.

It's incredibly thrilling to see a project you've carefully designed come to life. Every detail you've imagined and drawn becomes real before your eyes. Each day brings progress, as beams are lifted, walls are built, and spaces take shape. It's an amazing sight that fills you with pride, knowing your ideas are turning into a functional and beautiful structure. Each milestone brings anticipation, and seeing your vision become a reality is incredibly satisfying.

At Square One Architects, we are grateful to work with amazing clients who understand and actively participate in the collaboration between architects and contractors. Their dedication, and open communication help us coordinate seamlessly and achieve successful project outcomes. They provide clear project goals, address concerns promptly, and participate in decision-making, contributing to smooth workflow and timely completion. We value their input and appreciate their willingness to work closely with us, fostering a productive and harmonious relationship. Their unwavering support and trust in our expertise are invaluable in delivering high-quality designs that meet their vision and expectations.