The Property
Avenons Road, Newham
Newham, East London: a mid-terrace two-bedroom family home for a family of four. Nearby properties had extensions or conversions, mostly very unimaginative. Our client’s property was no exception. There were previous mismatched enlargements: a 3m single storey rear extension and next to it, an infill conservatory.
The old extension was prone to leakages and the spaces were out of proportion, too small for the family to use or enjoy. A central staircase dominated the house, reception rooms were too small, and under-stairs storage was difficult to access. Upstairs, there were just two bedrooms, but the bathroom was unusually large.
Step three
The Brief
A complete refurbishment of the house and a large double-storey rear development: a 6m ground floor extension to replace the existing one and a 5m first floor extension. This really was a substantial project – the combined footprint of the new work would be almost as big as the original house! We could also see potential to use the rear window for a new bedroom and the opportunity to re-position the bathroom. The clients were ambitious but realistic. To realise their project, they had budgeted accordingly.
Step Two
Our Solution
- To start, we prioritised the staircase as key to rest of the project. A separate hallway added nothing to the house, so we focused on developing a more flexible open-plan environment downstairs.
- The new staircase was positioned opposite the main entrance and next to the party wall. Two existing reception rooms could now become one large, unobstructed, open-plan space.
- This enhanced the sense of openness and integrity of the interior space. Moving the staircase left the original toilet too much of a feature so we fitted a toilet and sink beneath the stairs, with some extra storage space, thus further enlarging the open plan area.
- The ground floor 6m extension was to take the full width of the property, maximising internal space: extra room in the main house and for the kitchen and dining area. Strategically placed skylights helped bring in natural light – highly recommended for deep extensions, as natural light is a very important factor for well-being as well as for aesthetics. Bi-fold doors with a wide opening were used to further increase natural light entering the home. Now, the client can sit in the living area towards the front of the property whilst also having direct views of the rear garden.
- The new ground floor extension has under floor heating – a better solution for large open plan layouts. Using traditional radiators would be less efficient and wall space would also be taken. Warm air rises, so underfloor heating allows the heat to dissipate better than radiators.
- Still on the ground floor, the soil vent pipe was relocated to a corner together with a brick pier and so effectively became hidden. Rodding access was provided. At the front, we added a new porch to improve privacy and increase thermal efficiency. We also specified external insulation. With the combination of external insulation and triple-glazed openings means that heat retention is now excellent.
- First floor rear extensions are typically allowed up to 3m. Using precedents from nearby properties, we secured planning permission for 5m while also making sure that in doing so the clients’ neighbour’s view and light are not compromised. The 5m extension provides ample space for imaginative solutions and we proposed an additional third bedroom with an en-suite facility.
- The new bathroom is positioned between two bedrooms – one of which has been repositioned to allow for a third bedroom and to capitalise on rear views. Although the bathroom is internal, a carefully placed Velux window on the roof has created a lightwell for natural light.
- Existing chimney breasts were removed to gain every bit of space and to help with configuration. For structural integrity we incorporated steel beams that were also designed and prepared to anticipate a future loft extension, should the family want to pursue it in the future.
- Now our clients have a three-bedroom family house with the potential for a fourth bedroom via a loft conversion. Often one feature is key to success; here the new staircase was fundamental to the design scheme and effectively solved the many problems our clients were facing.
- With many idiosyncrasies in the original building, this project was a good example of how important ingredients blend together: close collaboration with our clients, imaginative solutions and careful preparation combined to create a versatile property with rich potential. As the family grows, so does their home.
Step Three
The Result
Where do you provide architectural design services?
Divi Design also provide architectural design services for home extensions, loft conversions, and conservatories across all areas of London, not just Newham.
We’ve completed projects throughout the capital, such as home extensions in Havering and transformative developments in Romford.
You can take a look at the rest of our portfolio for examples of our work in other areas such as Thurrock.
So whether you’re in Barnet, Greenwich, or any other London borough, we’re on hand to provide architectural design services.
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