The Project
This project is a great example of how a single storey rear extension can transform a home. Situated in the heart of a charming village near Spalding, Lincolnshire, this bungalow has been a beloved fixture in our client's family for years. Now, with a vision to adapt it to modern living, they were ready to breathe new life into the space. Their dream? To open up the interiors, creating an airy, fluid environment that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. By reimagining the layout, they sought to craft a home that embraces a more open, contemporary lifestyle - where the garden feels like a natural extension of the home.
Interior and Exterior Transformation
Our clients had a vision for their extension but needed some creative inspiration to truly see how it would transform their bungalow. Their main goal was something we see often—a single-storey rear extension to create an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area. These modest extensions are popular for a reason: they offer a contemporary, open-plan space while allowing you to retain ‘closed-off’ rooms for relaxation. It’s the best of both worlds. You can enjoy social time around meals or in the evenings, but still have the option for quiet, private spaces when needed.
The existing bungalow is a cosy two-bedroom property with a large front-facing living room, a kitchen/dining area, and a small cloakroom leading to the garden. Our clients felt the access to their garden lacked flow, so we proposed large rear bifold doors to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Our final plans transformed the living room into a master suite, complete with built-in wardrobes and an ensuite bathroom. This allowed the owners to use one of the existing bedrooms as a snug or living area. To enhance the open plan feel, we also removed the rear door and internal walls, creating a wide, inviting opening from the kitchen into the new living and dining space. Additionally, our clients requested a log burner for warmth and ambiance, so we designed an external brick chimney to complement their existing one, adding a touch of tradition to the modern layout.
As you can see from the 3D visualizations, we also proposed updating the bungalow’s exterior. Our clients opted for a combination of cladding and render, choosing Cedral Sidings in a charming Tea Green shade, paired with a warm off-white render. These new materials bring fresh, welcoming tones to the home, giving it a modern yet homely feel. We think you’ll agree—the new design breathes life into this beloved bungalow!
Submission to the Local Planning Authority
While some single-storey rear extensions can fall under permitted development or need only prior approval, this project required a householder application. The inclusion of external material changes and the chimney made it necessary to apply for householder planning permission. As part of our process, we included detailed 3D architectural visualizations to help planning officers see the final vision for the bungalow. The decision is expected soon, but early feedback has been positive, and we are optimistic about a successful outcome. This project is a great example of how even a modest extension can completely redefine a home. By transforming this two-bedroom bungalow into a slightly larger, more contemporary three-bedroom home with an airy, open-plan living space, we’ve shown how much potential lies in thoughtful design.
Want to transform your property into a more contemporary home and make the most of your existing space? Please do get in touch today for a free initial consultation.
Keep up to date with our live projects and office adventures on our Facebook page.