A-frame extension in Hampton

Our project for an A-frame rear extension in Hampton has been completed and is now live. You can have a look at the latest photos by clicking here.

This project dates back from 2016 when our client, a young family of four with two children, got in touch with Square One Architects to design a single storey rear extension for their house, a 1930s semi-detached 2-bedroom property in Hampton.

The existing house was typical and featured a non-original conservatory that used to be too hot in the summer and too cold in winter. The rest of the ground floor was not very spacious and quite dark.

The client’s brief included the demolition of the existing conservatory and creation of a new extension with an open plan solution. The new open plan would include a generous kitchen, dining area and living space.

The client expressed an interest for a very specific type of structure that featured an “A-frame” , including a gable window and a set of bi-fold doors. This is not an unusual configuration; however, it presents its own challenges when built as an extension to an existing period building. The biggest challenge for this project was in fact the integration of the structural solution (designed by our structural engineer) and the existing structure.

The other challenge was planning. In first instance the council deemed the proposed full-width extension to be too large so we had to go through a negotiation process that led to the final solution which includes the rear extension and flat roofed side extension.

Square One architects managed to overcome these difficulties and delivered the project that our client wanted. The result is an incredibly spacious extension that benefits from a generous amount of daylight. As usual daylight was predicted using daylight simulation methods that come from our Director’s background in lighting design.

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!

A-Frame Extension Nearing Completion in Hampton

Our project in Hampton is making great progress on site. This morning we visited to check in on the contractor’s progress and we were very pleased to see the crisp apex window detail installed!

Our project for in A-frame extension to an existing semi-detached house in Hampton is now well under construction.

The bi-fold doors and gable windows, two of the main features of this extension project, have been delivered on site and installed and they look great.

The picture above was taken in a very special moment of the construction process. At this stage it is usually obvious whether what has been designed reflects what has been built and we were very pleased to confirm that the Architects and Clients' vision was successfully delivered.

The configuration of a pitched roof and a vaulted ceiling, along with bi-fold door and gable windows, is optimal to maximize the views whilst retaining the traditional flavor of a sloped roof that relates visually to the existing character of the property.

The large width of this extension (that technically is part rear, part side extension) allows to open the views over the rear garden.

The large bi-fold doors can be fully opened guaranteeing a high degree of ventilation when necessary.

We are very pleased with the results so far and look forward to seeing the project finished.

A-frame extension in Hampton

Today we visited one of our projects currently under construction in Hampton with a very interesting A-frame structure. More pictures to follow!

Our projects for an A-frame home extension in Hampton has started.

We visited the site recently and were impressed by the dramatic volume that the new structure is outlining.

The picture above shows the steel structure forming the gable window and the large opening for the bi-fold doors.

Part of the complexity of the project from both a structural and an architectural point of view was the interrelationship between the new steel structure and the existing masonry fabric that included the original 1930’s structural brick walls and a non-original flat roofed extension that can be seen in the picture above on the left hand side.

In order to form a new large opening between the existing house and the new extension, the structural engineer specified a large picture frame structure that included top and bottom beams and two steel columns.

As Architects we had the responsibility of understanding exactly how the new structure would relate to the existing fabric of the house and providing creative solutions regarding the interconnection of the structure to the other architectural elements including the roof tiles, insulation, waterproofing and internal finishes.

This project was rather challenging from a structural point of view and we discussed this in detail in this post. Another blog post discusses the project’s development on many levels and its challenges from a planning perspective and can be seen here.

The project is now built, and final photos can be seen here.

Project in Thames Ditton under construction

We had the pleasure of conducting a site visit to one of our ongoing projects in Thames Ditton. This particular endeavour involves the comprehensive transformation of a first-floor flat and the ingenious conversion of the property's loft into a luxurious master bedroom. We cannot wait to share more images of this project with you in the near future!

The client initially approached Square One Architects in 2017 with a request to design a roof conversion and make internal alterations to their 1950s 2-bed semi-maisonette located in Thames Ditton. In order to create a more spacious and interconnected atmosphere, we devised a revised layout on the first floor by removing an existing partition wall, resulting in the creation of an open-plan kitchen/living/dining space. To connect the ground and first floor levels, a new stair was also proposed, which led to the loft space. The new stair reduced the usable area in one of the bedrooms, transforming it into a practical study area.
Recognizing the need for improved functionality, the project also involved enlarging the family bathroom. This was achieved by removing underused built-in cabinets, optimizing the space available.
Moving onwards to the roof level, we designed a truly remarkable addition - a spacious master bedroom with a shower room. To bring in ample natural light, skylights were incorporated, enhancing the ambiance of this unique area.
By carefully considering the client's requirements and incorporating innovative design solutions, Square One Architects successfully provided a roof conversion and internal alterations that not only improved the functionality of the space but also enhanced its overall aesthetics.

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 Twickenham

Square One Architects have been appointed for the project of a conversion a small coach house to a residential home in the town center of Twickenham.

Our client, a small developer, looked for several firms of residential architects in Twickenham and chose Square One architects to carry out the project for this conversion.

The overall brief is simple; the client is looking to convert an existing coach house to a one-bedroom house organised on two levels.

The initial idea was to dedicate the ground floor level to kitchen and living space including a bathroom. In this configuration the first floor of the property would then be used as a bedroom with a Juliet balcony opening towards the small alleyway.

After an initial discussion, it was been decided to move the living area to the first floor due to the availability of natural daylight and better views.

The one double bedroom of the house will be located at ground floor level with direct access to a bathroom that partly used the space under the stairs.

Square One Architects’ design and careful lighting consideration will help to make the most out of a very limited amount of space!

Click here to see the project’s page and images.

A final image of the project