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!

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

Project schedule #1 Full house refurbishment in Hampton Hill

Project schedule

Year: 2017-2019

Location: Hampton Hill, 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 approached us in 2017 with an initial briefing that included a ground floor side return extension, alterations to the existing stair and several internal alterations to the ground and the first-floor layout.

The existing property was a typical two ups two downs terraced house in Hampton Hill. The property dated back to the late XIX century and in need of renovation. During the initial phases of the design we agreed with the client to turn the original stair by 90 degrees in order to provide a more rational layout. The initial project also included a ground floor side-return extension to form a new living and dining area to the rear and large bi-folding doors.

After obtaining planning approval for these alterations the clients’ plans changed due to their personal circumstances and they decided to add a loft extension to the project.

Sudden changes in the initial brief are not unusual and we as are always happy to accommodate any additional requirement with flexibility.

The brief for the loft extension included two new bedrooms and the family bathroom with one of the bedrooms to be used as a study or guest bedroom.

A new planning approval was obtained for the loft extension and subsequently detailed drawings were produced for both tender and construction purposes.

The refurbishment was carried out within the clients’ budget with no delays, thanks to the professionalism of the contractor, but also to the clarity of our drawings and instructions.

The result is a 4-bedroom house with 2 family bathrooms and well laid out distribution spaces that benefit from additional daylight created by a skylight that was been placed on top of the new stair.

This full house refurbishment has been a great success and we are very happy that the clients, a family of two are now enjoying their extended property.

Before and after images

Ground floor kitchen and dining

First floor bathroom

Rear view

Our new project for a house extension in Byfleet & New Haw

A pretty dramatic before and after image of the front our recent project for a detached house in Byfleet and New Haw

The pictures above show the dramatic difference between the existing detached house in Byfleet and New Haw before and after the extension and refurbishment works.

When we first met the client in 2018, we found a property with lots of potential but very tired both externally and internally. The house needed a full refurbishment and several improvements were also necessary in order to maximize the use of internal spaces.

In the picture to the right our first-floor side extension can be seen to the left. The purpose of this extension was to add a new dressing area and en-suite bathroom with a window on the front of the house. Both the dressing room and en-suite have been designed to be directly connected to an existing bedroom that the clients decided to use as their master bedroom.

The project also included new rendering to the front, sides and rear of the property and the ground floor rear extension along with several internal alterations to create an open plan space at ground floor level.

It was a remarkably interesting project, with a proactive client who put a lot of stress on the importance of design.

We are incredibly happy with the result and final pictures of the standard property can be seen here.

When we went to site we also filmed a video showing the ground floor of the property. It can be visualized here.

New photos of our project for a house extension in Teddington

Check out the new external photos of our project for a house extension in Teddington including the new external patio. Click here

We are really pleased with these Teddington house extension photos by Emanuelis Stasaitis.

He is always very good at getting the best shots out of our projects and I think these home extension photos prove the point.

This home extension in Teddington was designed between 2017 and 2018 for a young family of four with two children.

It was it was a great experience from our point of view because the clients proved to be informed and engaged from a design perspective at any stage.

The project involved the ground floor side and rear extension and complete remodeling of the floor plan.

The existing property was a typical 1930s semi-detached house with large garden at the rear. As it often happens the property had been extended in the past with a conservatory that used to be too hot in the summer and too cold in winter.

The initial client idea was to demolish the conservatory and carry out a rear extension however it soon became apparent that adding a side extension (to match the one in the neighboring property) would have provided a very useful amount of internal space for service rooms such as a guest WC a utility room and a small study.

The client had an interest into industrial architecture, and it was decided to keep one of the structural steel beams visible. In these cases, it is essential to use an intumescent paint for fire rating purposes. We agreed with the client to retain the beam that subdivides the dining area from the living space in order to create a feature.

The client also decided to supply Crittall style doors and windows that help define the character of the extension.

We have many home extension photos in our project page you can have a look by clicking here

You can also see the project schedule here.

Hopefully these photos will be able to inspire potential clients or provide some home extension ideas.

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…

House extension and refurbishment in Hampton Hill

We are excited to present our new project, a home expansion and renovation in Hampton Hill. We have a video that shows the design from start to finish, giving you a clear view of the transformation. Be on the lookout for more pictures that will showcase the skilled work and careful design that went into creating this space.

At ground floor level, our clients requested a side return extension to expand their living space. This involved the removal of an existing bathroom to make way for an open and inviting area that encompassed both a new kitchen and a dining area. Additionally, one of the main design challenges we tackled was the reorientation of the existing staircase by a 90-degree angle within the new kitchen/dining space.
Moving up to the first floor, we transformed one of the bedrooms into a generously proportioned bathroom. By removing an existing partition, we successfully fashioned a second spacious bedroom on this floor, maximizing the available space to meet the needs of the family.
Expanding further at the loft level, we introduced two brand-new bedrooms and a family bathroom. This addition not only complemented the existing layout but also provided our clients with an accommodating and versatile space for their growing household. We took great pleasure in designing this project specifically tailored for a young couple, and we have full confidence that the thoughtfully crafted spaces will cater perfectly to their evolving needs.

Rear extension in Hampton

We are excited to share two short videos of our newest project—an amazing addition to the back of a house in Hampton. More pictures will be coming soon!

The client initially engaged our services back in 2018, seeking assistance with a rear extension and internal alterations for their four-bedroom terraced house in Hampton. While the upper levels of the property had undergone renovations, it was evident that the ground floor did not uphold the same standards. Displeased with the overall layout, the client felt that the space was not maximized to its full potential. In addition, the house contained a non-original rear extension from the 1980's. This extension, lacking in quality and failing to fully utilize the plot's width, raised concerns. As a result, we developed a plan to design a new rear extension, which would replace the outdated one and seamlessly integrate a new open space comprising a kitchen, dining area, and small seating space. The spacious layout incorporates a stylish kitchen island and a generous 6-seater table. Furthermore, to enhance functionality, we incorporated a small guest WC, utility space, and under stair storage on the ground floor. Additionally, to restore the original charm, we reinstated the front reception room by removing a previously blocked-off partition wall. The back of the property features beautiful and well-crafted doors and windows with clean lines, supplied by Fabco Sanctuary. These architectural elements add a touch of modern style and timeless beauty to the overall design, enhancing both the look and functionality of the property.

A Deck overlooking the Thames in Hampton

A fun little project of a new deck for a friend's house that was recently recently built. The house is located on a small island in the river Thames and the deck overlooks Garrick's temple and Villa to the north, quite a view!

One of the interesting features of the new deck is the integrated gutter system that allows to collect water below the deck in a seamless fashion.

A project for a new deck to a house situated on Garrick’s Ait in the middle of the River Thames has been completed.

The new deck is stunning, and it contributes to make the most out of the beautiful existing views over Hampton including Garrick’s temple, Garrick villa and St Mary's Church.

The existing deck needed to be repaired and it was decided with the clients to remove one of the stairs that lead directly to the river.

This decision generated more space for the deck itself without the interruption of one of the stairs.

The existing handrail was replaced with a new timber balustrade with horizontal elements that is more in keeping with the nautical theme of the house and the island in general.

The new timber deck rich tones create a beautiful contrast with the striking colours of the river and the landscape in front.

Square One architects have also been involved in the detailing of the new drainage system that is concealed below the deck. This system is a more efficient and elegant way to get rid of rainwater and contributes to the simple yet beautiful look of the new deck.

The final images of the project can be seen here.

new haw project now completed

Our project in New Haw is finished - we've successfully completed a rear extension and first floor side extension for a large detached property. The carefully designed additions seamlessly blend with the existing structure, improving both its function and appearance. The rear infill extension provides a lot of space for a modern living area, great for hosting guests or spending time with family. The first floor side extension adds extra rooms for bedrooms or a home office, providing flexibility for the homeowners' changing needs. The completion photos show the impressive transformation, displaying the attention to detail and high-quality workmanship that went into the entire project.

As architects at Square One Architects, our dedication to lighting design is always at the forefront of our work. We understand the importance of both natural daylight and artificial lighting in creating spaces that not only look stunning, but also enhance the overall well-being of those who inhabit them. From the moment we begin a project, we carefully consider how to maximize natural light, allowing it to filter through strategically placed windows and skylights, while also incorporating innovative artificial lighting solutions. The photos showcased here serve as a testament to our commitment as a practice to design spaces that are not only well ventilated and bright, but also transform the quality of life for our clients, allowing them to thrive in spaces that inspire and uplift.

To learn more about this project and see the incredible before and after photos, please visit our website, where you'll find a detailed overview and a captivating visual journey.

House in Byfleet and New Haw coming soon

Sneak peek: a video of a photo shoot for our project of a house extension in Addlestone. Pictures coming soon!

The client initially reached out to Square One Architects in early 2018 with the exciting opportunity to expand their 4-bed detached house in Byfleet and New Haw.

Seeking to enhance their living space, the client's brief entailed the construction of a new kitchen diner that would seamlessly merge with the existing layout. In accordance with the client's vision, the ground floor would be extended by approximately 2.5m to the rear, allowing for a spacious and inviting open plan area.

Throughout the design process, the integration of the extension's roof with the existing structure was carefully considered to ensure a harmonious and unified aesthetic. Additionally, the client expressed a strong desire for bi-fold doors at the back of the extension, along with strategically placed skylights to flood the new open space with abundant natural light.

To further cater to the client's needs, the project also encompassed a first-floor side extension, facilitating the creation of a luxurious master bedroom complete with a dressing room and en-suite bathroom.

NEW PROJECT IN BARNES NOW LIVE ON THE WEBSITE

Our project in Barnes Green Conservation area was recently completed and is now live on our website project list…

A rear extension, loft extension with 2 new dormers and internal alterations throughout have transformed our client’s home and we would love for you to take a look; Click here for more information and completion photos. Let us know what you think!

The client originally approached Square One Architects back in 2017 with an exciting project in mind - an extension to their 2-bed terraced house in the beautiful neighbourhood of Barnes, which happened to be located within a Conservation Area. As Architects, we understood the importance of preserving the existing while introducing new elements that would enhance the property in a manner that was in keeping with the existing historic environment.
One of the requests from the client was the design of a new lobby on the ground floor. This lobby served a dual purpose, not only creating a more discreet entrance to the house but also providing a protective measure for the staircase in case of fire. Additionally, we extended the existing kitchen at the rear of the property, utilizing a clever corner sliding door system to flood the ground floor area with natural daylight. To seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, we raised the patio to achieve a flush threshold.
Our scope of work extended beyond these key features. We also installed a new guest WC on the ground floor, cleverly utilizing the space under the staircase. Furthermore, we removed an existing chimney breast on both the ground and first floor to make way for the new design.
In terms of adding more space, we introduced new conservation rooflights and dormers that harmonized with the existing windows of the house. This enabled us to create a much-needed third bedroom at roof level. Additionally, we rearranged the existing staircase to ensure maximum head height on the second-floor landing and lowered the first-floor ceiling to optimize head height at the second-floor level.
At Square One Architects, we pride ourselves on not only meeting our clients' needs but also considering the surrounding environment. With this extension project in Barnes, we successfully struck a balance between preserving the character of the Conservation Area and introducing modern, practical elements that enhanced the functionality of the property.

Small extension in Hampton

Today we visited a small rear extension in Hampton we recently designed. More pictures to follow!

The project for a rear extension to a 1960’s semi-detached brick house in Hampton has been completed.

The existing property had been extended approximately 20 years ago go with a conservatory that used to be too hot in the summer and too cold in winter, as it often happens in these cases.

The clients’ brief was to remove the conservatory and build a new rear extension to match the existing conservatory in terms of footprint.

The rear extension was built under Permitted Development however its design was very different from the original volume of the old conservatory.

in order to provide the feeling of a more seamless transition between the existing spaces and the new one it was decided to design a flat roof extension that guaranteed a flat ceiling with the same height of the existing one.

This created a visual connection between the existing kitchen space and the new extension that was going to be used as a dining area.

Daylight was very important for our clients and one of the main points in their briefs was that they enjoyed the generous amount of light that they received through their conservatory and although they were ready to loose part of it, they still wanted to have a very bright extension.

The project also included a new side window to provide daylight and views to an existing playroom.

We ran a daylight simulation in order to finalize the position and size of the skylight, windows and French door.

Both us and our client were extremely happy with the result and the build extension confirmed what we had foreseen through our drawings.

“Iacopo is everything you want in an Architect. Talented, thoughtful, precise, punctual and fantastic value for money. He listened carefully to our specification, guided us when we were lacking in knowledge and responded incredibly well when we changed our minds. He took our ground floor extension from a pipe dream to a design in weeks, his skill set enabled the design to go through local planning at the first time of asking. He held ours hands whilst we chose the building company to complete the work. We literally could not be happier with Iacopo - brilliant!”

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 in Twickenham

If you're looking for inspiration for a rear extension project in Twickenham, you won't want to miss our latest work! We invite you to take a closer look at our recently completed project, which showcases our expertise in thoughtful design and seamless integration. Located in Twickenham, this rear extension seamlessly extends the living space of our client's home, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor areas. Discover how our innovative approach to architecture has transformed this property, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.

We started this project back in 2016 when the client approached us with an idea to extend their 2-bed semi-detached terrace in Twickenham. The clients already had planning approval for a single-storey rear extension, but they were not satisfied with the design approach of their previous consultant. Thus, they came to us seeking our creative input to maximize the potential of their available space.
One of their main concerns was to reconfigure the internal layout of the entire ground floor to create a more seamless and functional flow for their family. They wanted ideas and suggestions on how to improve the utilization of each area. Considering their requirements, our team produced a comprehensive feasibility study showcasing several design options.
With the feasibility study in hand, we engaged in discussions with the clients and presented our findings. They were pleased with the options we provided and expressed their willingness to submit an amendment to the previous planning drawings. This was an important step towards realizing their vision and enabled us to proceed with the subsequent design phases.

These captivating photos capture the essence of our client's vision and determination, alongside our meticulous approach to architectural design. Each image tells a story of collaboration and creativity, showcasing the fusion of the client's aspirations and our team's expertise.

Our latest project in Thames Ditton

We visited one of our smallest built projects to date! A dark bedroom in a 1960s house in Thames Ditton was converted into a double height space with plenty of daylight coming from two skylights and a new window at the back. The main space will be used as a study while a bed platform will provide useful additional space for guests. More pictures to follow!

This project dates to 2016 when the client, a retired lady, approached us to carry out an alteration to her 1960’s terraced house in Thames Ditton.

The existing layout of the property was quite peculiar, and it comprised of two double bedrooms at first floor level and some space in the loft that was not being used.

The client initially wanted to raise the ceiling of one of the two bedrooms to create a vaulted space with skylights above to take advantage of additional daylight. Shortly after the preliminary stages, it became apparent that it would have been possible to also create a mezzanine level for a small home office and to form a window to the rear of the property that would provide additional daylight and cross ventilation.

The budget was relatively low, and the client wanted to retain the existing wooden floor of the property.

The presence of a mezzanine obviously meant having a new stair that would connect the existing first floor of the property to the new mezzanine level. From a design perspective we had to be very careful due to potential head height issues with the existing roof of the property that had to be re-insulated and re-supported structurally.

The existing A-frame structure also had to be replaced with new structural elements whose specifications were provided by our Engineer.

The alterations proposed where all internal and the property did not fall within a Conservation Area therefore planning was not required in this instance, however we applied for Building Control approval. We also provided advice in terms of party wall requirements and artificial lighting.

The project was delivered within budget and within the agreed time frame and the result was quite impressive. The original bedroom once extended felt much larger due to the added volume and the presence of the additional mezzanine space.

Our latest project

Check out here our latest project in Hampton! We are excited to share our new project, which showcases our innovative design and expertise. This project was carefully designed for our own office, combining functionality and aesthetics. Every detail was thoughtfully created to create a balanced and inspiring work environment. Explore the intricate beauty of our architecture and be amazed by the blend of modern and timeless design.

As the client and architect, the experience is exciting. We have the freedom to envision the ideal space and bring it to life. Being involved in every step of the design process allows for easy communication and a personal connection to the project. It's thrilling to see ideas come to life, as we have a unique perspective. We can be creative and make informed decisions. Being both the client and architect is a privilege and adventure filled with excitement and possibilities.

Our new office space is designed to inspire creativity and collaboration, while also providing a welcoming environment for meetings with our clients. The modern layout creates a professional atmosphere for productive conversations and brainstorming. We believe that this new office will improve our team's productivity and create a better experience for our clients as we work together on their exciting design projects.

Rear extension in Twickenham almost completed

We have recently visited one of our projects in Twickenham which includes a rear brick extension to a 1930 house. The extension allowed to have a new bright and spacious Living/Kitchen/Dining open space. More pictures to follow soon!

The client, a family of four with two small children, approached for this project in 2016.

The original property was a typical 1930’s semi-detached house in Twickenham featuring a non-original extension and conservatory at the back. The extension was used as a utility room.
We always stress the importance of making good use of the rear of the property since this is the prime space of the house in terms of views to the rear garden, access to daylight and privacy. Using the rear of the property for a utility room (or in some cases a bathroom) is a missed opportunity to do something special, because a utility area doesn’t need necessarily a window.

The clients’ wish was to create an open plan area at the rear of the property by extending approximately 2.5 meters and replacing the existing conservatory and utility room that where in need of repair and where under used anyway.

The existing kitchen was moved to the new open plan area and part of the existing kitchen was then used as a utility space.

Daylight was ranking high in the clients’ wishes and we carried out our usual detailed analysis in order to foresee the exact amount of natural light intake throughout the year.

The project also featured a large window in correspondence of the kitchen sink, a set of large bi-folding doors and two skylights centered respectively with the window and the doors.

We obtained planning approval for this project in early 2017 and subsequently we sent the drawings to several contractors and requested quotes back.

Shortly after obtaining planning approval we also obtained building control approval and we issued a full set of drawings for construction purposes in May 2017.

This was an example of a project designed in a relatively short amount of time, but with great attention to details. The extension checked all the boxes in the clients’ brief, was delivered within their budget and the agreed time frame and the end result exceeded their expectations.

Our latest project for an annexe in Hampton

Check our latest project for a maisonette in Hampton here

Our latest project for a side extension to a detached bungalow in Hampton has been completed.

We visited the site recently and we were very impressed by the result that confirmed our decisions and predictions made during the design stage were essentially correct.

The client approached Square One Architects in 2016 to carry out a project to replace an existing side annexe (that at the time was used as a storage) with a new solid construction that would include a bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom and a living area for our client’s daughter.

The project`s brief was very intriguing, but it became apparent that one of the challenges would be planning, given the peculiar position of the house at the end of the cul-de-sac. In order to maximise the built surfaces and the volume we had to find an agreement with the Council.

Following a preliminary design stage, it was agreed to propose an extension that would fully integrate with the existing gable roof of the bungalow and the council welcomed this design.

This solution allowed to create a side extension characterized by a double height space that took advantage of the existing loft of the house to form a new bedroom. The ground floor of the maisonette was converted to a kitchen and bathroom and the new annexe was extended to the back with a new gable roof to form a new living area.

Several skylights on both the pitched section of the roof and the flat one provided a spectacular amount of daylight across the double height space and the rear extension.

Following construction, the client’s daughter gave us a very significant feedback. She mentioned that she used to have sleeping problems that had ended after she moved to her new accommodation. Her interpretation of this improvement of her condition was that the large amount of daylight received within the new section of the house during the day helped her circadian rhythm.

Unfortunately, we cannot test this theory however we are inclined to believe she is correct. Several studies link the amount of daylight received during the day to improvements to the circadian rhythm (or day and night cycles).

We think this project represents another proof of the importance of daylight in people's well-being and we are very proud of the result.