The Property
Verdayne Avenue, Croydon
Our new case study is set within Croydon, a large town in South London currently experiencing increased development at all scales. Croydon is understood to be the site for a third Westfield shopping centre. This family home is a terraced property and is amongst a cluster of six others. The house needed renovation and was going to benefit from some structural upgrades too.
Step One
The Brief
Our clients were first time buyers in the property market, with a baby on the way. They approached us with their design brief to upgrade an existing rear extension, to make the house family-friendly and enjoyable to live in. They did not want to extend it, but instead, to improve certain aspects. The budget was tight, but it was feasible.
Step Two
Our Solution
- We always strive to get the most out of a design and this doesn’t necessarily mean from the utilisation of space alone – our thinking always includes the features, detailing, and specifications that affect the way a person interacts with their environment.
- The existing rear wall was due for an upgrade. We recommended that rebuilding it with better insulation and structural integrity would address any long-term potential issues. We also proposed to have a matching pebble dash finish.
- The existing pitched roof was upgraded with brand new roof tiles, plus the replacement of selected beams due to localised rotting – this was a chance to incorporate two new skylights to further improve the interior setting.
- Our client was keen on a strong connection with the rear garden. The opening for the bi-fold doors was planned to be as wide as possible, but without the need for steel columns or pad foundations. We had to work closely with our engineer and the local authority (Building Control) as this could otherwise have consumed too much of the budget. The resultant rectilinear space feels large, generously sized and in proportion.
- The rear extension measured only 3m in depth. Our client wanted to have a wide and unobstructed view of the garden, so we proposed a kitchen island to avoid the worktop backing onto the rear wall. This maintained both the garden view and much needed worktop space which, judiciously extended, also serves as a breakfast bar. The new layout encourages social interaction and is supremely practical.
- To avoid the soil vent pipe (SVP) ‘snaking around’ the property, we kept it internal, relocating it to a corner together with a brick pier by the cooker and boxed it in. Rodding access was provided to the boxing in case of blockages. The drains manhole was originally in the kitchen, which did not comply with the current regulations. We liaised with Thames Water and obtained consent to relocate the manhole outside with better connections, rodent barriers and safe access.
- As the home was meant for a small family, the clients did not feel the need for a separate shower room. The existing sink and toilet were upgraded, and the space previously used for a shower became a utility area for white goods.
- Our client had a keen sense of alignment and proportion and was keen, where possible, to keep original features, which is what we did. When the layout permits, choosing to retain the existing chimney breast can help with proportions and symmetry; they are one of those increasingly rare classical features, and it is always pleasant to see them reinstated.
- A light grey finish to the walls, with all-white units and worktops were specified to enhance minimalism and provide a ‘decluttered’ look. Other smaller details were also adopted to emphasis this notion; the application of handle-less units and the finishes of the extractor, cooker, sink and oven are identical. The seating area utilises a movable bench to match the dining table and sits just above the radiator to aid space and prioritise views and light received from the rear garden.
- The result is a flexible and open space that feels big and open but most importantly, a place that our clients can call home.
Step Three
The Results
Where do you provide architectural design services?
Divi Design also provide architectural design services across all areas of London, not just Croydon.
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 Twickenham, Bexley, or any other London borough, we’re on hand to provide architectural design services.
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