Help figuring out best way to extend
dcomisso
9 years ago
We’re a family of 4.5 (two young kids and a dog), living in a 3-bed semi detached chalet bungalow. Our current ground floor layout consists of a tiny hall, decent size living room open plan to dining room, and a small galley kitchen. There is a garage attached to the side of the house which is used for storage only. We’re fortunate to have a reasonably-sized back garden, approximately 8x8m.
We are considering extending and reconfiguring the ground floor space to accommodate: a proper hall, living room, dining room, larger kitchen with an island, family room and a kids’ play area/room. We’re keen on the open plan feel for these new spaces, as we envisage spending most of our family time there. We’d also like to add a downstairs WC and small utility area, perhaps pinching space from the existing garage to accommodate.
Please see photo 1 for floor plan of our house as it is now. Photo 2 reflects plans previous owners had approved, however we don't feel they are right for us (mainly because we'd like a sense of openness with a hall leading into the new extension, that space then in turn opening out to the garden). Photo 3 depicts some initial ideas we considered of how the space might work better for us.
We’re only beginning our renovation journey, so are open to all possibilities in terms of extending back, side return, knocking down walls, etc. Back and side extension would be south-facing so would enjoy good sunlight and garden view. We are keen to gather as many different ideas as possible to help us figure out the best possible configuration our family can enjoy for many years to come. If you have any thoughts and suggestions, they would be very much appreciated.
Many thanks in advance for your time!
We are considering extending and reconfiguring the ground floor space to accommodate: a proper hall, living room, dining room, larger kitchen with an island, family room and a kids’ play area/room. We’re keen on the open plan feel for these new spaces, as we envisage spending most of our family time there. We’d also like to add a downstairs WC and small utility area, perhaps pinching space from the existing garage to accommodate.
Please see photo 1 for floor plan of our house as it is now. Photo 2 reflects plans previous owners had approved, however we don't feel they are right for us (mainly because we'd like a sense of openness with a hall leading into the new extension, that space then in turn opening out to the garden). Photo 3 depicts some initial ideas we considered of how the space might work better for us.
We’re only beginning our renovation journey, so are open to all possibilities in terms of extending back, side return, knocking down walls, etc. Back and side extension would be south-facing so would enjoy good sunlight and garden view. We are keen to gather as many different ideas as possible to help us figure out the best possible configuration our family can enjoy for many years to come. If you have any thoughts and suggestions, they would be very much appreciated.
Many thanks in advance for your time!
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (7)
dcomisso
9 years agoHi Minnie, thank you so much for your ideas! I really appreciate you took the time to share them us. You've really given us plenty to think about.
Toys and kids clutter seems to be a permanent fixture in the house at the moment, so your point on the mess exposed in open plan setting is something we'll certainly need to give more thought to.
Converting the whole of the garage we haven't really thought of, to be honest. It would definitely give us more room to comfortably fit in the playroom. One possible drawback though could be lack of light. The only suitable location for the window would really be the current garage door, and that side doesn't really get good light during the day. However, there's nothing above the garage so perhaps a skylight could be a way?
Also, I'm sort of in two minds about how separate I want the kids space to be. Sometimes closing the door and letting them do their own thing is really convenient and helps keep us sane ;) but ideally, I think, I'd like their wee corner to be a part of the family space so that we easily keep an eye. I'll need to mull that over a bit more to be honest, and try to look further into the future.
I love the way you've designed kitchen/dining space at the back. It makes sense the two are linked. The cost consideration is a strong argument for sure, but the installations are poor as it is, pipes exposed in the cupboards, so will need to be rehauled one way or another.
The reason we thought of putting kitchen units along the left wall was the light. We sort of had an idea of side skylights/roof lights at the side return part, and a bifold door on back wall opening into the garden. Something along the lines of the photo below. Does that make sense? I've no renovation experience nor architectural know how, so not even sure if that would work!? I would love to hear what you think if you have some more time to spare.
Thanks again for your help
Related Discussions
Help! cant figure out sitting room layout?
Comments (4)Hi Phil, There is so much to consider to get spatial planning right. With out clients, for this room, we would take lots into account including what's outside those lovely windows, the position of lightings (natural and artificial), how you and other people use and move around the space, what already exists in the space and how all of the elements interact with each other. I think you need to have a real play around with all those points and maybe try printing the plan out, cutting out furniture pieces and putting it together like a jigsaw to think about the pieces individually. Take advantage of those windows and other elements you like in the space. Alternatively we, and propably many other interior designers, offer services for spacial planning or consulting services which will ensure the space is truly fit and funcational for your needs. I wish you all the best and do keep us posted on the finished room! :)...See MoreBest way to make our house work for us
Comments (6)The more I think about it the more I think that a two storey extension would be uneconomical because to make this a four bed you would have to change every room. In conclusion I think that you should do the following: Build the single storey extension you want behind the living room because the back wall is flat here it will be easier to achieve a seamless look (unlike the kitchen end). You then have the choice of having the new room off the lounge or my preference which would be to have a two rooms with doors off the Hallway- one small at the front and a big room at the back. Utility room- you could extend into the garage- however a family saloon car is only two feet smaller than the current garage and so you shouldn't make the garage just a little too small for its intended purpose and you shouldn't spend money to only gain two feet- I think you should replan the utility instead- stack the dryer on top of your washer and get rid of the sink so there is room for your freezer. Ensuite- it seems to make sense to make your existing ensuite into a dressing room corridor to a new ensuite above the garage- you have talked about a dormer but I think that this would be particularly unattractive but I imagine the is room for an ensuite that is at least the size of your current room. I roof window such as a velum would be more discrete than a dormer...See Morehi I am trying to find the best way to create a bedroom
Comments (18)As I say, I can't reconcile the dimensions. There appears to be a 2ft ( roughly ) discrepancy across the width of the house. ie, if the kitchen is 22ft long, then I can't make the lounge, Hallway and study fit in to that measurement. The lounge and study add up to 19ft, which would leave 3ft for the Hallway and staircase, so that wouldn't work, and something is amiss. Also, the study is down as 1.45m which isn't 7'10".......I had to make it a rough guide! So, this is what i'd go for as a plan b, following the initial amendment upstairs.................If you did the extension.............it would look roughly like this:- I managed to fix the dimensions, so later i'll put them back on Plan A x...See MoreCan anyone help me figure out this redesign?
Comments (5)What period is the house? The stairs are not shown on the ground floor plan but I presume they are fairly near the front door? From the information supplied, I would close up one arch and unite the dining room with the kitchen. I would say there's space to create a downstairs WC from the wet room. I would close up the access from the garage and use that corridor with the rest of the space from the wet room to make a utility room. Upstairs I would leave the WC separate. I've seen this before and there's no way of making it work as one bathroom but that needn't matter. I would put a bifold door on the bathroom and turn the bath parallel with the window. There would be enough space for an L shaped bath with shower over, 800mm at its wider end. The bath would be 1700mm and the space is 1900mm so I would panel out and create an L shaped alcove. This will hide all your pipework, avoid ugly boxing and create a shelf and space for a shaver point and lighting over. It would look something like the model attached- I've used those colours just to delineate the tiling. That would leave 1200mm on that wall, enough space for a freestanding washstand of around 900mm - something like the attached picture. Your radiator would then be on your left. I realise I haven't tiled along the bath wall. This is a very quick model for layout only. You could turn the bath the other way and have a narrower shelf and downlit inset shelving on the "basin" wall. . I'm guessing this was a cottage that's been extended and altered over the years. If so, I would say work with the quirkiness and don't try to make the house something it isn't. This will give you a better outcome and cost you a lot less. With careful planning it's doable on your budget but, as ever, labour will be your most significant cost....See Moreminnie101
9 years agodcomisso
9 years agominnie101
9 years agolivingroomz
9 years agoFirstly apologies about the quality of sketch just scribbled this idea for a layout while in transit. I have attached a layout I would use which seems to satisfy your wish list but most importantly maximises the light entering every room and uses the current layout which will keep costs to a minimum. There are a few things in my layout that I wouldn't be 100% happy with, entrance through sitting room walkway through living area, but I'm not sure how much you are willing to spend and I'd have to draw it to scale to properly see if they would be problems.
The openings in the rear extension could be a mixture of sliding or bifold doors and large window seats which would give a nice vantage point over the garden and newly formed courtyard and also make the space very flexible to quiet family or busy entertaining times.
It might not be what you are looking for but might give you some ideas.You would have to give more info if you want proper ideas i.e. southerly direction, idea of budget, plan showing rear yard, second floor/ roof plan, photos etc. My best advice would be to talk to the professionals an Architect or Designer will be able to point you in the right direction at the very least and it shouldn't cost too much as you may only need sketch ideas. I don't like seeing extensions that create inner dark areas.
dcomisso
9 years ago
minnie101