New entrance
Wighton Architects
8 years ago
An existing Upvc porch and entrance have been sympathetically replaced with a new traditionally detailed entrance which incorporates a WC, fitted storage and tiles to match the original within the main hall.
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Comments (6)
PROWood Window Alliance
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Colour for front door and Windows against red brick
Comments (7)Thank you kindly for your helpful advise and colour ideas. Did you use a specific software to make the window colours the same ? we do plan to replace all the windows to be one colour and a modern style (as opposed to Georgian style) - but it's trying to decide on a colour to go with the old/new red brick tones. You mentioned colour bonded - not sure what is meant by this ? The entrance door is too wide for just a single door (2190mm width) so we will need to include a side panel. We plan to have the door a different colour to the Windows to give it more appeal and one that is more modern/contemporary (although I like the blue/style door you've shown but my other half prefers more modern/contemporary style)....See MoreNarrow Victorian House Layout Suggestions for Young (growing) family
Comments (5)Ellie, Jonathan – thank you both for your replies. Apologies in advance for long post! Ellie: Regarding hallway /entrance it feels very narrow with view directly onto stairs rather than any sightline through to rear of house moving the wall is partly aesthetic & partly practicality of dragging bulky items through narrow entrance (appreciate point that things will change as kids grow) perhaps opening up the entrance to front reception room will create more light and feeling of space without moving the wall + redecorating hallway to create lighter / updated space will improve the aesthetic Downstairs WC thanks & what I have been thinking too (wife disagrees & thinks 1st floor loo is sufficient) Alternative is trip upstairs each time (toilet in cellar will be removed entirely as we find it’s not really usable (down steep stairs, at back of utility which is invariably cluttered & pokey space (c. 175cm ceiling height). Would prefer to reclaim the space and create a bike rack on that back wall instead Kids / Parent Bedrooms all on same floor Perhaps we are too relaxed as parents but this doesn’t feel so important to us (at least right now). Use video monitors so hear every squeak and have stair gates fitted Jonathan: Where to start – you have definitely given lot of food for thought & thank you for the drawings! General point about use of rooms changing over time is well taken. Lower level: Like your idea re curving stairs to hall. Only issue I see with that is how to navigate a large bike through 90deg angle – that would put me off Will remove the loo as it’s not usable in our view, recycling the space for bike storage (wall racked) Revised utility position – that space is all currently occupied with boiler / water tanks etc so not practical to move In general looking to spend minimal amount on this space – decorated to OK standard. What is missing is smart storage & better insulation as some damp penetrating from the portion of basement which has not been dug out Ground Floor: Generally like your suggestions and hadn’t thought about putting kids in front room rather than middle room Flexi doors rather than completely blocking front and middle reception rooms could work well while keeps light flowing through / preserves front to back view Flex room concept is interesting but I don’t think it solves long term problem of boot / coat storage & something I am struggling with Another potential solution for boots / coats etc. may be to steal space from kitchen (say 1.5m) and create a storage room on left hand side, while also extending hallway and cellar stair entrance to keep symmetry (which can deliver further shelving / pantry storage in that additional space on right hand side) By doing that we could keep our existing front reception room as is (add flex doors) & use that for tv / quiet time, have kids playroom in middle reception close to kitchen & get long term fix for boots / jackets 1st floor guest bedroom - Point well-made re. stairs for grandparents Master bedroom vs. Formal Reception Depends on what plan we go with downstairs obviously Neighbours have formal reception in this space with small office to rear (where our existing en-suite sits). Certainly worth considering & offers better view than downstairs reception 2nd floor If moving master bedroom would basically look to replicate the existing master on 1st floor but shift it one floor up (L-shaped with walk-in wardrobe space & en-suite beyond) Could turn existing office space into the exercise area (if shifting office a floor down to rear of new formal reception) but eats into master bedroom space or have it in Loft Loft If we want to keep large master (while moving formal reception room) then we will struggle to use this for anything other than bedroom (likely with en-suite) and possibly small exercise area as that would give us 4 beds overall To me, the biggest change from your suggestions would be in moving the master bedroom as has a large knock-on effect. It does offer chance to return that flex room (at some stage) to a formal dining room, keeping reception room on 1st floor and having a separate tv room. Would welcome any view also on the boot room / coat storage /downstairs WC dilemma! Finally a concept planner is next stop once we have had chance to get clearer idea of what we need vs want. Many thanks...See Morehow should we finish off our new entrance?
Comments (17)After carrying out all that work and the expenditure I would not bother adding more to the workload by adding a porch. You have a modern fronted dwelling so IMO there’s no need to clutter the front by adding a porch especially one with Oak beams as it’s not in keeping with the existing house. That is more suitable to period properties which yours is not. You do need some steps for ease of entering the front door and I would make this a feature perhaps by having a large semi circle double height step if it allows. Perhaps add the step in a blue brick which would tone in nicely with the front door....See MoreKnocking through very thick old walls to create new entrance
Comments (9)rinked A structural engineer is of no benefit due to the construction methods for the existing building being antiquated As a civil engineer myself and having studied structural engineering, its main use in buildings like these is where underpinning is required where no reasonable foundations exist. An experienced and reputable contractor is a must, Pick the plaster off the walls to assess the nature of the structure When works begins ,due diligence and care should be taken Plenty of arrow props and strongboys needed Word of caution creating a metre opening could easily be 2m by the time its finished Prior to starting dig a trial hole and check the existing foundations. If you're not confident or have limited building experience by all means hire an engineer to walk you through it and hold your hand...See More
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