The Project
What began as a replacement conservatory in a small village near Oakham evolved into an L-shaped single storey rear extension with a courtyard garden and the inclusion of a full-size golf net (we can’t say it’s very often we’re asked to incorporate one of those into our garden designs!).
Like most conservatories, the existing space was cold and unwelcoming during the winter months. Our clients wanted a room that could truly act as an extension of their current kitchen area, providing a larger space for dining and living that could be enjoyed all year round.
The property already benefits from a self-contained annexe attached to the main house, and it was important that the new design retained a degree of privacy between the two spaces while also allowing flexibility for a growing family.
In addition, the clients were hoping to reconfigure their first-floor bathroom to accommodate a bath alongside the existing shower without extending the property. This required careful consideration of how the existing internal layout could be adjusted to make space for this change.
As the property sits within a conservation area, all proposals needed to be sympathetic to both the existing dwelling and the surrounding context. With this in mind, we set to work.
Interior and Exterior Design
Our initial designs retained part of the footprint of the existing conservatory due to the presence of a well at the rear of the property. We were keen not to disturb this feature, as it will become a focal point within the newly formed courtyard garden.
There was ample space to the side of the well, so we explored a range of L-shaped extension options. The final design provides generous space for the new dining and living area without encroaching too far into the garden, leaving room for parking, an outdoor seating area, and of course, the all-important golf net.
By configuring the extension in this way, the lower portion of the ‘L’ acts as a corridor linking to the annexe. Bifold doors give the annexe its own entrance and sense of privacy, while French doors beyond open onto the garden, reinforcing its self-contained nature.
To enhance the indoor-outdoor living experience, we incorporated French doors leading onto the patio, two windows on the opposing wall, and four conservation-style Velux rooflights. This creates a bright and airy space that benefits from proper insulation while maintaining excellent levels of natural light.
At the front of the property, the existing heavily glazed porch was in need of updating. Its curved walls made installing shelving and shoe storage particularly challenging. We redesigned the porch with a square footprint and incorporated a rooflight, allowing for practical coat and shoe storage without sacrificing natural light.
On the first floor, the only real limitation was the absence of a bath within the family bathroom. The existing configuration did not allow sufficient space, so we presented several layout options. The clients chose to reallocate a small portion of space from the study, enabling the repositioning of the shower and creating enough room to install a bath opposite the bathroom door. A relatively minor alteration, but one that will make a significant difference to day-to-day life.
The final stage of the design involved a landscaping scheme for the sloping rear garden. Following a topographical survey to accurately measure levels and determine appropriate step heights, we began planning the outdoor space. Developing the visualisations was a real highlight introducing colour to the beautiful stone building and layering the garden with vibrant planting and contemporary outdoor furniture brought the entire scheme together.
Proposed Second Storey Extension - Proposed Floorplan
Submission to Local Planning Authority
We are extremely delighted to say that this project has now been lodged with Local Authority to go through the householder planning process. These designs and the landscaping scheme have significantly improved not only the layout but also the character of the home, and we hope that the planning officers will agree.
If you want to explore the potential of replacing your conservatory with a more practical extension or would like to explore the potential of a tailored landscaping scheme, we would be delighted to discuss your ideas in a free initial consultation. Get in touch today!
Keep up to date with our live projects and office adventures on our Facebook page.