This recently completed project located in the London Borough of Kingston Upon Thames is spread between two semi-detached Victorian properties which both sought to extend their roof spaces.

The properties already benefitted from handsome elevations and styling which called for a modern addition to avoid any pastiche details which could have been harmful to the character of their original elevations. We worked carefully to extend the roof spaces to create much needed extra accommodation with dramatic views over their large rear gardens and towards Hampton Court Park and Palace.

The new space is formed by the extension of the hipped roof to dual gable ends, with a long rear dormer which opens out onto two roof new balcony spaces finished with structural glass balustrades.

The new dormer, though long, reads as four small dormers; this was carefully designed to reduce visual impact. The four dormers are joined together with a mansard roof which gives the illusion that the dormers are separate instead of one long expanse of new roof space, whilst internally, the expanse is apparent. Both properties, though internally are configured slightly differently, have achieved two new rooms with 2 new bathrooms / En-suites. One of the clients chose to convert their second “bedroom” into a light filled yoga room for their home business. This space turned out particularly successful as we chose to open up the space to the stair well instead of walling it off into a separate room; the space reads as much larger and far more dramatic which creates a peaceful and bright environment for yoga instruction towards the front of the property.

The use of zinc on the flat roof construction gives a sleek and contemporary finish to the extension which reads as complimentary to the original house as opposed to competing with the existing character. The use of zinc is also a reference to the historical material palette of the area that includes lead rolled mansard roofs. As well as this, the construction type and detailing ensures longevity; the extension will age without the materials decaying ensuring the crisp finish remains for years to come.

In terms of acquiring planning permission, Square One Architects followed a formal process with the local council which involved a pre-planning application advice process prior to applying for formal permissions. Usually, obtaining permission for a balcony with any local authority is a contentious issue and is unlikely to gain approval, but in this case, we were able to justify our proposals and gain the approvals our clients desired.

Overall, the project is a huge success and we are incredibly pleased with the outcome. Square One were involved throughout the entire process from conception to completion which ensured the quality of the design was translated from the original ideas and details into quality on site construction and finishing.

“Iacopo is an incredibly reliable, thorough professional who was very easy to work with. He is organised and meticulous and was very supprtive throughout the design and build process. I would absolutely recommend his services.”

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

This four-bedroom detached home in New Malden was in need of extensive refurbishment following flood damage. Square One Architects were appointed to transform the property into a warm, modern and functional family home, focusing on internal reconfiguration and a carefully designed rear extension to enhance both light and layout.

The previous kitchen—located at the front of the house—was repurposed into a snug, now separated by a glazed crittall-style door that subtly defines the space while maintaining visual connection with the rest of the home. The kitchen itself was relocated to the rear and incorporated into a generous open-plan living and dining area, extended with a 4-metre addition to provide the necessary footprint. The new kitchen is significantly larger, with an island that serves as both a practical worktop and a sociable breakfast area, accented by recessed lighting to highlight its central role.

The design places strong emphasis on natural light and garden connections. Wide sliding doors on both sides of the rear extension open onto the patio and garden, drawing in daylight and framing serene views of the greenery beyond. Above, a new timber ceiling and skylight introduces warm texture and light from above, enhancing the calm and airy character of the open-plan interior.

A standout feature of the new layout is the double-sided fireplace, cleverly positioned to serve both the dining and kitchen areas—offering warmth, atmosphere and a tactile material element that anchors the space. In the dining area, a bespoke picture window with built-in seating provides a cosy reading nook and a moment of stillness in the heart of the home, further connecting indoors with outdoors.

On the first floor, a newly designed shower room brings a fresh and contemporary feel, with updated sanitaryware, a new skylight for natural illumination, and a palette of carefully selected finishes that continue the warmth and elegance of the ground floor. This shower room forms part of a broader effort to upgrade essential elements of the home while retaining a sense of cohesion across levels.

Material choices throughout were carefully considered to create a warm yet refined environment, with textures and tones that feel both timeless and contemporary. Thoughtful lighting design complements the material palette, contributing to a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for this growing family.

This project demonstrates how strategic spatial reconfiguration, and sensitive design can completely reshape a home—enhancing not just how it functions, but how it feels.

Photography by Eleni Han

The distinct aesthetic and historical value of listed and locally listed buildings may often be overshadowed by the issues arising in today’s climate and lifestyle requirements. Square One architects were approached to respond to one such challenge in this Victorian 5-bed detached house in Surbiton.

The house, having undergone several additions through the years, featured several rear extensions housing various utility spaces, such as a kitchen and W.C., creating a rather disjointed layout. One of those spaces also included a conservatory, which although offering a bright space with pleasant views of the rear garden, was less than optimal in providing an enjoyable use, being too warm in the summer and too cold in the winter.

Our design focused on a complete reconstruction of the rear of the property retaining the airiness of the previous extensions yet maximising the natural light and overall space. We proposed implementing a side return maximising the width of the extension and moving the kitchen and dining area to the rear providing direct access to a new patio and the garden. In between the main house and the kitchen/dining area we designed a new study space with the previous utility room and W.C. discretely nestled out of view yet easily accessible from the hallway.

Both the study and dining area enjoy ample light from the side return glazed roof creating a feeling of openness and airiness while large roof lights illuminate the working spaces of the kitchen. The new wide sliding doors perfectly frame the views of the garden, while the floor finish that run throughout the ground floor and towards the patio outside create a gradual transition from the interior to the exterior.

With the careful rearrangement of spaces and the use of modern materials the project successfully created a modernised extension that is defined by light and air yet also being well insulated and attentively designed to offer comfort and delight to its occupants.

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

Check the project schedule including before and after images here

Square One Architects have been involved in the design for a major redevelopment of a single-family house in East Sheen. The client’s aim was to maximise the space at their disposal without subtracting too much from a lovely garden.

This project includes a side and rear extension at ground floor level, a first-floor side infill and a loft extension. The new spaces replaced two small and dark existing rooms previously used as kitchen and dining areas.

A large and bright open-plan kitchen/living/dining space opens to direct views of the garden and a patio which is shared with the side extension. The side extension is used as a self-contained flat for guests and extended family members. 

During the daylight analysis and simulation, it became apparent that two skylights and large doors and windows were required to achieve high levels of daylight in the main family space.

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

In 2019, the previous owners of a detached house in a prime street of Hampton assigned SOA to propose extensions to the ground floor level and the existing loft, as well as other internal alterations. After a change of ownership, the new owner of the property was pleased to continue with our services that included the works in the interior and upper floor extensions.

The road presents a variety of front dormers making this a distinct feature of the local houses. Taking advantage of this, we worked on designing both front and rear dormers that would allow the loft to be used as additional bedrooms with an extra shower room and storage for our client. These extensions enlarge the entirely redesigned space under the roof, and with added Velux windows, allow for more natural lighting and ventilation, while also adhering to the surrounding aesthetics of roof design. The existing loft thus transforms into an added level that can be comfortably used, with ample space and views over to the rear garden and the sky above. The front dormer illuminates the extended stairwell, making its ascendance a more pleasant experience, detailing its features as central element of the interior circulation.

To ensure that our new clients would be made to feel most at home in their newly acquired house we re-designed most of the rooms on all levels. Underfloor heating was installed in the sitting room and first floor bathrooms, the latter of which were fitted with new sanitaryware and tiles; white and navy porcelain tiles in one and tiles in white and black marble effect for the second were selected for a fresh and contemporary atmosphere. SOA also oversaw the new lighting throughout the house, tying in the circulation and experience of each room and bringing out their qualities from spaces to relax, to experience and enjoy.

The existing rear extension that housed the kitchen received a thorough renovation making the most of this main part of the residence. New cabinetry, island and dining area make this space not only more efficient but also aesthetically pleasing with multiple opportunities to showcase the client’s style. The new crittall style windows and doors frame the greenery of the garden making it part of the interior experience and two new skylights add to the height of the hipped roof by brightening the void.

SOA paid particular attention to all details creatively responding to the client’s new requirements while attending to the cohesion throughout the property, both within and outside, in order to create a home that may be better enjoyed by its new residents.

“We used Iacopo and the Square One team to design a loft extension and ground floor renovation to extend our family home and would highly recommend. We are delighted with the final result.

Iacopo and his team guided us through every part of the process, from design, planning, structural engineer appointment, tender, building control, construction and much more. They left no stone unturned and we’re always on hand to offer practical advise throughout the entirety of the project.

As well as the architects drawings, Iacopo was able to help with practical advise around kitchen/bathroom design, lighting, plumbing and recommend an array of local and nationwide suppliers in all areas of the industry.

I am thrilled that we chose Iacopo and would not hesitate to recommend Square One Architects!”

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

Check the project schedule including before and after images here

Located in the Barnes Green Conservation Area, this late 19^th Century terraced property was brought to us in 2017 with the client seeking to extend into the roof and to the rear to create much needed additional accommodation. We were also appointed to create a more homogenous interior by updating the finishes throughout.

To ensure our client could start construction when they had hoped we suggested that a staged planning application approach was the most appropriate so that if the council were to object to one part of the proposals, the other would not be held back. Square One Architects then worked in collaboration with Richmond Borough Council to create proposals would sit subserviently within the special character of the conservation area and which would be viewed favourably by the local authority. We submitted separate applications for the rear extension and loft extension in spring and both were granted planning approval by autumn 2017.

The extra accommodation to the rear was achieved by replacing the existing kitchen projection and timber outbuilding with a new masonry construction. The plan opens up through a frameless glazed corner which encompasses the external courtyard. By placing frameless corner glazing here and raising the patio to create a level threshold the courtyard becomes like another room, giving illusion to the internal space being much larger whilst retaining external amenity for the client. This effect is further enhanced by matching the internal and external floor finishes. 

One of the specifics from the brief was to ensure there was bike storage. We designed a bespoke multipurpose solution for this whereby new bench seating opens up to reveal ample storage sunken into the ground. This solution provides outdoor seating with hidden storage and avoids our client requiring a shed which would impact the quality of the space.

To second floor, by lowering the first floor ceiling, implementing 2No. new dormers to the rear and installing a 2 new conservation roof lights we were also able to create a bright and spacious third bedroom / office space.

By creatively working to achieve the most from the space available our proposals have created a home more commensurate to their family’s needs and tastes, as well as increasing the retail value of the property.

Photography by Jenny Birchmore

SOA have recently completed a ground floor and second floor extension to this attractive 1930’s property located in Raynes Park.

To the ground floor a new flat roof single storey extension houses a new dining room, living area and a small study. The study is within a smaller projection of the extension which sits slightly lower than the main extension to minimise visual impact to the neighbouring property. This design, along with the use of materials including brick and render to match the existing elevation and the neighbouring properties, results in a characterful elevation that is so bespoke to the site it appears as though it has always belonged. All new structural beams have been raised within the existing thickness of the ceiling to create a flush transition between the original house and the new extension.

To the second floor the client was keen to form additional bedroom accommodation and an en-suite; SOA advised the client that it would be beneficial in this case to apply for householder planning permission for the ground floor extension, whilst gaining approval separately for a roof conversion and extension under permitted development rights.

The project has been recently completed and as shown in the photographs, the new elements sit harmoniously within their context. The detailing of the single storey extension is crisp and creates an attractive threshold between the internal spaces and the long garden beyond. This intervention has created a niche space in the garden that behaves like an outdoor room for dining which feels like an extension of the internal spaces. To second floor, the new flat roof dormer and large glazing aperture provide much needed additional bedroom space with plenty of natural light and views to the garden and greenery beyond.

This recently completed whole house refurbishment with ground floor and second floor extensions is in Hampton within the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames.

The client bought this early 20th century property seeing its potential to be transformed into a spacious, modern family home. Interestingly, the property had previously been used as a HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy) and therefore had some odd internal areas formed by the division of the spaces.

To the rear SOA squared off the ground floor plan with a single storey extension that replaced the existing pitch roof extension. This new structure was essential in creating the direct link with the garden as well as in opening the space to the rear of the ground floor to form a large, open plan, bright family / kitchen / dining room. The introduction of a utility room to the centre of the plan meant that the open plan became L-shaped, and we used the leg of this to form a playroom , creating a malleable living space for the varying needs of the family.

SOA also addressed the Entrance Hall and transition space to ground floor, an essential arrival point at the property which previously felt dark and cramped. The addition of a porch extension to the front elevation resolved this issue with both more space and light, and the introduction of built in storage beneath the stairs resulted in a highly functional space for the family. We also made a feature of the stair well with bespoke joinery forming louvres to the stairs which we carried through from ground floor all the way through to second floor acting as a design link through the property. This feature neatly weaves the old spaces of the property with the new architectural interventions, harmonising the space and creating a homogenous feel to the home.

To first floor SOA reconfigured the plan to form a bright landing, larger bedrooms, a master suite, and a larger family bathroom. To the second floor, a roof extension with dormer forms an additional bedroom too. These alterations divide the plan more evenly, creating generous bedroom spaces that feel intentional to the scale of the property and appropriate to the needs of the family.

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

Check the project schedule including before and after images here

This project includes the ground floor redevelopment of a 1930s semi-detached house in Teddington with the completion of a rear and side extension.

These extensions add a new kitchen and living area to the rear whilst a guest WC, study and utility room are added to the side portion of the new volume, maximising the usable footprint of the house.

A set of Crittall-style doors and windows to the exterior allow extra daylight and ventilation along with views towards the large rear garden.

A new herringbone flooring creates a sense of continuity between the existing house and the new extension, blending the spaces together to create a flowing multipurpose space for the family to enjoy.

“My wife and I engaged Iacopo (of Square One Architects) to provide architectural services for our residential extension (side and rear) in South West London. We would not hesitate to recommend him. He provided a transparent pricing plan (with options) at the outset. He was responsive and courteous. He met timescales. He has excellent attention to detail and is very well-organised. He explains complicated issues clearly. He was able to effectively balance technical requirements with practical realities. He liaised effectively with the planners and party wall personnel. He is personable and passionate about achieving an excellent result. I think he has a progressive outlook towards design and architecture which stood in contrast to some of the other architects we considered. He is a safe pair of hands.”

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

This recently completed ground floor extension with internal alterations is located in Teddington within the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames.

Our client bought this property seeing its potential for modernisation into a forever family home. The ground floor was befitting to its original users in the mid 1900’s, however, the layout and scale of the spaces wasn’t appropriate for use by a modern family. SOA focused on the rear of the ground floor plan with a view to rearrange and open the spaces to form a large multiple purpose space that the entire family could comfortably share together. The original, rounded, single storey extension was removed and replaced on a similar footprint with a square extension that reaches halfway across the breadth of the property. The new structure most importantly improves the quality of the internal environment with well detailed construction, and also improves the relationship of the internal areas and their interaction with the garden beyond.

Our client has a keen eye for the mid-century-modern design style, and so SOA worked hard to ensure the design principles critical to this style were implemented within the design process. To the rear we include wide format glazing which creates a direct relationship with the garden beyond, bringing the outside in, a key design principle of this style. Below the window we allowed for a full width window seat. This space is of architectural significance for this project; there is a direct connection with the physical structure of the new extension, you sit atop the architecture in the threshold between the internal and external spaces creating a special moment of pause. The bench seat doubles as storage, which was completed by the contractor, whilst the joiners at Pluck Ldn supplied this project’s kitchen in a contemporary take on classic 1960’s styling. This continuity of joinery detailing, alongside the new parquet flooring and internal finishes successfully links the spaces together creating a feeling of openness that permeates all the way through the ground floor and into the garden. Rearrangements at ground floor also meant that the disused garage space and awkward smaller rooms are now incorporated to form a much more family friendly environment for living and relaxing in.

“I would highly recommend Square One Architects. Iacopo really helped us get the best out of our 1960's house kitchen extension. He offered practical and clever design solutions and was responsive, considerate and thoughtful. We are very happy with the space we now have and he helped us to make the right decisions to make the most of it.”

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

SOA recently completed the renovation of a house of Townscape Merit located within a Conservation Area within the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames.

This two-storey house was erected in the 1920s and still retains many of its original features. Our client, while retaining its unique eclectic style, wished to improve on its interior circulation and accessibility as well as bringing more daylight within its interiors. SOA focused on replacing the existing staircase and providing internal access to the basement which was originally only accessible from outside. The new staircase offers a more natural vertical circulation with well detailed construction providing a well-lit access during the day as well as during the night through its light and minimal design and its integrated lighting. The relocation of the access to the basement provided the opportunity for the entrance lobby to then be remodelled creating a more spatious and inviting entry way. Using materials similar to the existing the cohesion of the alterations provide a seamless passage throughout the house yet denoting the new staircase through its design and lighting.

Additional alterations throughout the house were made to provide more light to enter within. Skylights in the existing living room naturally lighten up the space making it feel more spacious and allowing for a better appreciation of the unique features that define the room. In the basement, the new lighting installations transform an otherwise secondary space into an enticing opportunity to enjoy the existing amenities. SOA, taking into consideration the client’s mid-century aesthetics of the space, designed a new bathroom with shower and sauna to better accommodate the use of the room as an additional living space.

To conclude the renovations, SOA saw for a new pedestrian access to the house from the side kerb which would be both a safer access and a more natural introduction to the site’s front garden. Entering through the new passage the viewer comes across the existing conservatory where retaining its original glass panes, older and damaged timber elements were repaired or replaced to match the existing mouldings. In this project SOA took every consideration to retain the character of the building while at the same time creating a space that would provide a much more pleasant environment to enjoy living in.

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

Featured in Don’t Move, Improve! 2018

Check the project schedule including before and after images here

This project showcases a ground floor rear extension to a semi-detached 1930's house in Hampton Hill, a suburb of London.

The kitchen and dining room are connected laterally to a new lounge area which creates an open plan space overlooking the garden.

The lounge extension is limited in width to retain a small west facing patio to optimise its sunny disposition in the afternoon.

An environmentally conscious triple glazed window wraps the corner to open the view towards both the rear garden and the side patio.

The panoramic window and a large minimalist detailed skylight offer daylight throughout the space. The amount of optimal daylight received in the extension was simulated with various computer programs and using different daylight metrics.

The new modern lounge extension is designed to subtly mark the difference in architectural languages with the existing house.

"As we had not embarked on an extension before my husband and I wanted to employ a professional to guide us through all the intricacies. Iacopo Sassi of Square One Architects was patient, thoughtful and responsive to our needs and paid great attention to detail. Our builder says his drawings are the most detailed he has ever seen! For a very personal and reliable service we have no hesitation in recommending Square One Architects."

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

In 2021 Square One Architects began working on new extensions for this 5-bedroom detached house near Hampton Court.

The property featured a non-original double garage and a rear extension that was more than 20 years old. The proposal included reworking the interior arrangement of spaces utilising the garage space on the side of the property and transforming the rear of the ground floor into a seamless extension of the house.

The original garage was turned into utility spaces, including a shower room, utility room and pantry, and part of it was demolished creating a side passage from the front to the rear of the property. By creating this space between the properties created a visual balance to the front façade, which in conjunction to the other changes to the previous garage extension resulted in presenting the property faithful to its original architectural style.

The rear extension involved the most changes, which in their turn created a modern and natural extension of the existing building. The original extension was extended to cover the full width of the building and it now houses an open plan kitchen and dining room with a connecting snug area.

The new kitchen/dining is fitted with wide doors and windows facing towards the rear garden and finished in black coloured aluminium frames. The new frames are matched to the interior doors which are in black “Crittall style” frames unifying the aesthetics throughout the ground floor.

The extension is defined by a lightly industrial feel that is further supported by the overhead steel beams and one of the largest skylights we have fitted to date, a beautiful and bright lantern skylight spanning little more over 5 meters.

Light hardwood floors, covering the entirety of the ground floor, continue through the dining area and towards the patio creating a transitional space for the warmer days. Pergolas provide shading both to the interior and to the exterior dining area, while a new external fireplace becomes the centre of an outdoors sitting area.

Square One Architects took particular care to creating an open and light environment that fulfils the needs of a modern lifestyle while at the same time redesigning the property by bridging contemporary elements to its original design.

“We used Square One for our ground floor renovation/extension and we couldn’t be happier we did. Iacopo is the ultimate professional.

It was our first time experiencing anything like this, and Iacopo’s expertise and manner ensured that the whole process was easier to navigate than we had envisaged. He provided us with a number of options for our budget and included creative solutions where required. His connections in the local area were also invaluable.

We highly recommend Square One.”

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

Check the project schedule including before and after images here

Traditionally, the Victorian worker’s cottage property typology consists of a 2 up / 2 down layout with a small kitchen and the family bathroom to the rear of the ground floor. This terraced cottage, located in Hampton Hill, was typical of this typology and our client brought it to us hoping to reconfigure the house to sit more in line with their more modern way of living.

The initial intention was to alter the ground floor to create a larger kitchen / living space and to move the family bathroom to the first floor. Ideally, our clients also wanted to extend into their loft space and to knock through the bedrooms at first floor to create larger, more comfortable spaces. Part of this was to ensure the house was future proofed so that in time the loft could be converted and would work well with the rest of the house. Over time the project evolved; our client sought to retain their existing footprint instead, altering the spaces they already had to work better for their family by extending upwards into the loft space instead of eating into their outdoor amenity at ground floor.

At ground floor, our proposals re-orientated the staircase by 90° which had a great knock on effect; opening up the back of the house to create a large kitchen / dining / living zone, as well as forming a useful cloaks area to the centre of the house where there is no natural light. By switching the direction of the stair like this, the more valuable space becomes useable for living, whilst the utilitarian and circulation spaces are carefully located to be the most useful and least intrusive.

To first floor, replacing the smallest bedroom with a new family bathroom and knocking through the two rear bedrooms to make one larger bedroom makes the house feel much more comfortable and brighter. This floor now has one bedroom less than it did before, but the spaces feel much more commensurate to modern living.

To second floor, our client opted to go ahead with a loft conversion as the project progressed. This element of the project was important for them to gain the much-needed additional bedroom space they required and makes optimum use of the space they had available within their existing footprint. The new south facing loft space is bright and spacious with a new bedroom and en-suite, both flooded with plenty of natural light.

Overall, this project is a great example of making the best use out of the space you already have available with a few simple tweaks making a huge difference to the quality of the internal environment of your home and in turn the quality of your life within those spaces.

We had a loft conversion and side return designed for our mid terraced house in 2017. We got quotes from many architects and a lot would not quote due to the size of the project or didn’t show any interest in what we wanted. Then we found Square One. Iacopo was exactly what we were looking for and helped us to navigate through the planning process and helped us to deliver our dream extension. He was a perfect fit for us, very friendly and guided us each step of the way with just the right information during each of our meetings. We would highly recommend Square One and would use them again if we ever needed to!

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

The project sought to replace the existing conservatory and extend to the rear of this detached early 20th-century property to create harmony between the internal plan and the garden to the rear whilst also adding much needed additional internal floor space.

Our proposals were carefully crafted considering the orientation and scale of the neighbouring properties’ extensions to sit both within the prevalent building line, as well as working in elevation to ensure the pitched roof portions read harmoniously with both neighbours’ single storey pitched roof elements. Working in this manner ensured that our proposals were appropriate to the development character of the area.

The new extension forms a large and bright space which houses an impressive kitchen, dining and living space. A noteworthy detail is the continuation of the flooring from the open plan space and into the garden beyond along with a flush threshold to create the illusion of a continuation of the internal space. This is a simple detail that tricks the eye into feeling the spaces are much larger as the view is drawn outwards and into the garden beyond.

To the east side the extension features a pitched roof; this form is expressed internally as a vaulted space with skylights over, drawing light deep into the plan. The distinct change in roof scape helps to divide the space internally, with the dramatic vault sitting atop the kitchen area and clearly defining the space for a singular use, whilst sitting within a large open plan room. To the west side, the extension has a flat roof. Above the living area we situated a large skylight so that during the day this area felt like an indoor-outdoor space; tranquil and bright. Throughout the extension and to other areas of the ground floor our client was keen to insert custom carpentry to draw all the spaces together and so SOA worked carefully on internal elevation configurations to set out well detailed built-in shelving, desks and storage solutions. This attention to detail and careful consideration of layouts helps to elevate the atmosphere of the space creating a sense of luxury.

Overall, the project is a great success; we were able to craft a bespoke design through close collaboration with our client ensuring that every detail worked together to form a lovely new space.

“Square One were my architects for our kitchen extension. They were professional and respectful and efficient throughout and had an excellent grasp on the planning process.”

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

This recently completed ground floor rear extension project is located in Twickenham. Our client came to us with a desire to extend and rearrange their home to acquire more space and light internally. Originally, to the rear of the property, the kitchen lead to a single skin conservatory room that was used for storage and play areas. SOA transformed the space by creating clear zones within the plan. The darker space, to the centre of the plan, is now a large utility / WC with a side door leading to the garden and driveway. This darker area, opposite the stair well then leads into the open plan kitchen / dining / living space which benefits from direct access into the garden and plenty of natural light penetration through the new doors, side windows and roof lights.

Externally, the form of the new extension has been carefully considered; to the right side is a lean to roof which links seamlessly with a flat parapet roof. The benefit of this detail is that it reduces potential overbearing to the neighbouring property, whilst the constraint of this allowed us to form a creative solution to define the internal spaces. The combination of roof structures forms a crank in the ceiling internally which we harnessed as a design detail to provide definition between the dining area and living area within the open plan. This is further enforced by the decision to use a separate window beneath the pitch roof form, with doors centred beneath the flat roof form. The new window sits in line with seat height which clearly links the function of the space with the architecture that serves it whilst enforcing the delineation of zones within the open plan space.

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

This recently completed loft extension is Located within the Hampton Village Conservation area in the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames.

The existing property had a traditional style, symmetrical front elevation which appears to be late 19th century, although it is not listed. The front elevation is face brick that has been painted in an off white, with large white framed sash and bay windows giving character to the elevation. The presence of the property within the street scene was somewhat more obvious than that of other properties in the area due to the height of the house sitting well below its neighbours, ironically. To the rear, the property is not symmetrical and had been extended in various styles over time; with a 2-storey flat roof extension, a single storey lean-to extension and what appears to be the original 2-storey projection to the rear which has a pitched roof. The materiality at the rear differed from the front elevation with buff face brick walls and red brick quoins and lintels.

Our goal was to increase the ridge height of the property to form a habitable second floor plan. As the property lies within a conservation area, the process for planning is more contentious, and as we were seeking an increase in the height of the ridge SOA felt it was necessary to engage with the council before formal planning via a pre-planning application. Pre-Planning Applications are extremely beneficial in projects such as these as they demonstrate to the council that we are willing to work collaboratively and to compromise with the council to reach an approval that would not be viewed as harmful. With projects that lie within conservation areas, the primary concern is to maintain the character of the area and to use materials and details that are consistent with the character of the host dwellings and the vernacular of the area. Our pre-application process for this project went well; by making the justification of the property causing a break within the street scene due to its lesser height and proposing that an increase whilst using the same materials and details as the house property would create a more homogenous street scene.

The planners viewed our proposals favourably and we gained approval for a large second floor extension with 3 new dormers to the rear.

Internally, the new floor is spacious and bright with good height ceilings and lovely views of the garden to the east. The extension has provided our clients with a new bedroom, bathroom and small study space. The new dormers to the rear are traditional in style, and by placing 2 dormers with a mansard roof in between the new extension reads as subservient and in keeping with the main dwelling, whilst the mansard roof internally creates much needed extra volume without adding obvious visual mass externally. Through finishing the extension with slate tiles to match the existing and rolled metal details to the dormers and mansard roof we have successfully created a second floor extension that is entirely respectful to the character of the original property as well as that of the conservation area it lies within.

The project also included a full reconfiguration and refurbishment of the first floor of the property, with the introduction of a new utility room and a more spacious and bright bathroom.

“Iacopo and the team at Square One came highly recommended to us and they achieved a superb result negotiating planning and securing a loft extension ceiling height that exceeded out expectations.

They produced a creative result, sympathetic to the age and style of the property.

Our contractors appreciated the accuracy of the drawings and attention to small engineering detail. All small but important factors which reduced the need for on site decision making or changes.

Overall the project went extremely well.”

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

Check the project schedule including before and after images here

Our large extension and refurbishment project in New Haw has recently been completed.

Our clients came to us in 2018 seeking to update and enlarge their property to create a more refined family home. The 20^th century, 4-bedroom, detached property was served by a large garden to the rear with frontage to Sylvan character of tree lined Byfleet Road but the existing property had a poor relationship with the external amenity and required updating throughout.

Our design included a first-floor side extension and infill rear extension to create additional living and bedroom accommodation. We also proposed to treat the external envelope of the property to tie in the proposals with the existing structure, create a crisper elevation and increase the kerb appeal. Also, by completely renewing the interior decoration throughout our clients were able to create large and bright family home much better suited to their needs.

To the rear, our design for an infill extension and replacement roof to the single storey projection of the property to cohesively integrate the existing and new rear spaces together. The additional floor space creates a much more open and bright ground floor living space with a large kitchen, dining and lounge area with a direct relationship to the mature garden beyond. This relationship is further enhanced with the inclusion of wide bi-fold doors which, when opened entirely, create an enjoyable external / internal amenity.

To first floor, an extension to the side creates a dressing room and en-suite to create a large master bedroom to the north wing of the house.

We are very pleased with the quality and attention to detail delivered by the contractor, and we are extremely happy that our clients are now able to enjoy their new home.

“Detailed drawings, intelligent design and a stunning result. Our guests are always amazed by the transformation of our home. Iacopo assisted so much throughout the project from concept to completion. We would absolutely recommend Square One!”

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

This semi-detached property, originally built in 1904, falls within the Grove Lane Local Area of Special Character in The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. The property is typical to the area which consists mainly of detached and semi-detached 20th century houses.

The property has a large garden which benefits from the evening sunlight. Prior to our appointment as the architects for this project, the property had already been extended; to the rear there was a dated and poorly insulated conservatory and the roof space had already been converted with a dormer to the rear.

Our client appointed us to design a replacement for their disused conservatory. Because of the property’s classification as a local Heritage Asset, our design approach had to be carefully considered. The proposal is a sensitive and well detailed response to the character of the area as well as providing our client with much needed usable living space.

The new pitched roof form with face brick walls and metal glazing frames is a more sensitive response to the character of the original property. The new extension is directly connected to the existing living room, giving direct aspect to the garden beyond; something which was lacking previously. The new space is not only functional, but architecturally exciting; as you arrive to the rear of the plan, the space dramatically opens upwards into the new vaulted ceiling with 2 new sky lights giving a sense of grandeur to the dining room as well as drawing natural light deep into the centre of the ground floor plan.

Externally, the threshold between the brick walls and the tiles of the roof was carefully detailed so that a fascia board did not have to be used. The solution was to create a hidden gutter detail which the contractor executed beautifully, and the result is a crisp elevation with minimal lines which keeps the focus on the heritage asset.

Square One was very helpful in our recent building project - replacing an old conservatory. Iacopo Sassi gave excellent advice, helped with all aspects of: design, planning approval, finding builders, and checking on the project. We wouldn't have such a beautiful and useful without his help. We would highly recommend Square One.

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

This project in Hampton is a 4-bedroom terraced property from the late 1920’s located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The property is typical to the area, which consists mainly of terraced and semi-detached houses.

When our client approached us, their property had already been renovated to the first and second floors, and they needed help to resolve the ground floor plan to suit their needs. The property as it was had an early 1980’s rear extension which housed their kitchen; however, this extension was poorly designed meaning that spatially the plan did not flow comfortably and didn’t take full advantage of the aspect to the garden. Both neighbours already had full width rear extensions to their properties and so we agreed that this was a good way of moving forward to achieve the best use of the site.

The proposed infill extension successfully created a new large and open kitchen / dining / living space with a new WC and utility room where there is less natural light. By reinstating the original wall between the front reception room and previous dining space, the proportions of the living space to the rear are more commensurate to family living and create a cosy internal environment. The new extension utilises large Crittall style glazing for the new doors and windows, as well as 2 large new sky lights which draw light deep into the plan. Importantly for this project, we also designed the lighting scheme for our client to maximise the comfort of the internal spaces, which in balance with the bright finishes, contrasting black fixtures and minimalist furniture creates a harmonious, cosy and crisp interior.

“Iacopo provided us with a number of options for our ground floor extension and guided us through what would work best for us and the space. By adding a relatively small amount of square footage, Iacopo transformed the house, it’s unrecognisable. We’re over the moon with the end result - huge thanks to Square One.”

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

Featured in Don’t Move, Improve! 2019

This garden studio project in Hampton is aimed to maximise the limited amount of space within the rear garden of a Nineteenth Century terraced house. The presence of a large sliding door and skylight provides ample natural light which highlights the texture of the various internal materials, in particular oak veneer and slate flooring.

The use of Siberian larch slats along the external facades relates, with a modern interpretation, to the materiality of the surrounding timber fences whilst also providing maximum durability throughout the seasons.

The custom cabinetry creates an efficient use of the limited space, integrating a combination of open bookshelves, enclosed upper cabinets as well as computer storage.

The external cladding in Syberian larch was supplied by Russwood, link to our project here.

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

The client’s brief for this project involved a rear extension to the existing house to form a new open space including a kitchen and dining area.

A subtle structural solution allowed to make every support to the existing first floor wall above visually disappear into the ceiling, creating a seamless effect between existing and new. The result is a bright and spacious open space.

The extension feels like an integral part of the existing house, both internally and externally. Materials have been carefully selected to accentuate this sense of continuity with new bricks to match the existing and oak flooring throughout.

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

This project in Hampton includes a rear and side extension to an existing 1930’s semi-detached house.

The overall volume and characteristic A-frame design is the result of a thorough dialogue with the clients throughout the project. The client’s desire was to create a bright and spacious extension, however, the Council (Richmond upon Thames) were concerned about the impact of the rear extension on the neighbouring properties. Square One Architects was able to work collaboratively with the client and council to develop a successful solution that pleased all parties involved.

The new extension forms a large open plan space which includes a kitchen, dining and sitting area that all benefit from generous daylight intake from the rear bi-folding doors, gable window and motorized skylights. Square One Architects specialise in lighting design and so we were heavily involved in specifying both natural daylight and artificial lighting to create a bright and comfortable internal environment. We are involved in coordinating with bi-fold door and window suppliers to help our clients can select the most appropriate products to achieve the finish they desired; windows and doors constitute an important design feature and so this collaborative approach to product selection is extremely useful in achieving a high quality end result.

The A-frame construction presented a few structural challenges due to the nature of the structure and its interpolation with the traditional 1930’s dwelling. Square One Architects coordinated with the structural engineer to resolve these details and included structural components in the design.

The existing sewer system had to be amended to accommodate the new extension; when changes like these are involved we have to work with and comply with requirements from Thames Water directly. In this instance Square One Architects was involved in the discussions with the water supplier and an agreement on the final design was reached in a short amount of time, ensuring no delays in the process for our client.

During construction, Square One Architects carried out site inspections and had constant communication with the contractor to ensure quality execution of the intended design. This dialogue proved to be essential in resolving some complicated structural junctions.

The final product of this process is a successful, bright, airy open plan that perfectly serves the needs of the four person family home. We are very pleased with the result, as are our clients and the local council alike.

“A thoroughly professional approach with an impeccable attention to detail. Quick to identify possible problems and offer a range of pragmatic solutions. We will look to use Square One again for future projects.”

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

The project involves the rear and loft extension of a late 19th Century end of terrace house in Twickenham. Daylight simulations provided the ideal size and position of skylights and windows to give a bright beautiful space to be enjoyed by a young family.

The new layout has relocated the kitchen into the space between the front reception room and the new extension at the rear, liberating useful space near the garden to be used as living and dining area. The kitchen cabinetry is custom designed as part of our integrated design strategy.

“Square One combines sound architectural knowledge with a creative approach to designing spaces. Working with Square One to create our dream home was a pain-free and pleasant experience. They offered us a really personal service to the agreed budget and schedule, and we have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Square One.“

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

An existing side annexe has been extended and redesigned to provide additional living accommodation for a home in Hampton.

A new roof allows to have a double height space lit from above by two generous skylights that will help define the space and enhance its materials.

A minimal approach streamlines the design of the compact quarters and maximises its utilisation.

"We approached Square One Architects to assist us with our building project, which involved increasing the living space in our bungalow in Hampton through the addition of an annexe. To proceed with confidence we wanted a practice that had local knowledge, experience of working with established builders, and the important RIBA accreditation. Square One Architects helped us not only with design and plans, but also with obtaining the required planning permission, as well as recommending to us structural engineers, party wall agreement surveyors, building control approval, and building firms that had done similar works to clients’ satisfaction. We would be pleased to recommend Square One Architects for building projects."

Photography by Emanuelis Stasaitis

Located in Hampton, on an island in the River Thames, this property did not have the appropriate outdoor space to reap the benefits of its unique position and spectacular views. The property’s external amenity required redesigning and updating so that our client could take advantage of their uninterrupted views to Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare, Hampton House (Garrick’s Villa) and The Thames to the north side of their home.

We proposed to replace the decking with stained timber, continuing the same material throughout to form the new balustrade and stairs for visual harmony. We also integrated and concealed the drainage for the decking below the battens with access underneath the raised platform to be utilised for storage; reducing visual clutter ensured the deck would be subservient, maximising the view to the Temple and River beyond.