Narrow sgl storey rear extn layout help needed

5 years ago

Hi all

I have a small house and just received permission for 6m sgl storey rear extn. Currently entrance is straight into the kitchen (3.3m width, 2.2m depth) and then lounge/diner with the stairwell (4m depth).

As there's only narrow rear garden access, I have been told foundations will be dug by hand, and so labour costs are much higher than anticipated. I am planning to rent accommodation during the construction, so waste can be carried out to the front (hopefully save time).

I need to save money elsewhere so have changed from a pitched glass roof to sloping roof with 2 skylights, and will prob have french doors not bi-fold. I'd prefer to have the lounge at the rear to connect with outside space, so have planned this layout. However, I don't think it maximises the floor plan.

Is a 3m island disproportionate for the house size? Impose on the other rooms?
How to use the space under the stairs?
I like this TV/fireplace design style: https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/earlwood-contemporary-living-room-sydney-phvw-vp~61320602 though would prefer to have an elec fire a little higher and end to end low level storage/seating.

I'd appreciate advice to make smarter choices.

Thanks

Dee

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Comments (4)

PRO
User
5 years ago
Narrow houses are always tricky, and long narrow spaces need particular care. I think that putting the kitchen centrally makes sense, but I think that the kitchen island is far too big, and dominates the whole space. It also cuts the space in half, creating a sense of 3 small spaces crammed together, rather than the open-plan room you might be aiming for. My suggestion would be to shorten the island by 600mm, push it against the wall as a simpler run of kitchen worktop, and have a smaller peninsula unit at the living room end with space for a couple of stools.

I'd put storage under the stairs, and include the washing machine if possible to free up more of the kitchen.

I think an integrated fireplace might take up too much space - what about a small wood-burner instead?

https://www.modernstoves.co.uk/neo-multi-fuel-wood-burning-stove.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiLCc09Hj3gIVCZ7VCh1BBweoEAkYFCABEgLOCPD_BwE#

You could pop it into the corner of the room and have a smaller 'floating' wall cabinet for storage.

https://www.theplasmacentre.com/tv-stands-and-av-racks/tv-stands/sel-wander-1800-oak.html?cpgn=201&utm_source=products-adds&utm_campaign=sel-wander-1800-oak&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx7e1g9Lj3gIVmed3Ch0Arw72EAQYASABEgI_7_D_BwE

Good luck!
Dee Mondair thanked User
Dee Mondair
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks Stuart, think I'd have to move the fridge and oven if I put the units against the wall, else the prep area is quite far:
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PRO
OnePlan
5 years ago
This space would benefit from better walk way spaces for safe evacuation of this area and also better flow . Putting seating directly behind a hob, for example, is not safe. If you are investing in this build - it’s worth investing a little more on a safer design. Building control will need to sign it all off when it’s complete. If there’s too much in it and not enough walkway - they might not! ( and then you’ll have trouble selling the place at a later stage )
Dee Mondair thanked OnePlan
PRO
BetterSpace: The Floor Plan Experts
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Hi Dee,

First I think that yes, actually a 3m island is a bit on the upper side and can be seen as more imposing to the other rooms. Given how narrow your house is, I think a good proportionate island would be between 2-2m. I do however like where it’s positioned in relation to everything else and think that it works fine.

Regarding the area below the stairs, due to its very nature, I usually find that its mostly left for a small pantry, a storage of sorts or just a utility area to keep things like brooms, buckets, vacuum cleaners. In your case since its farther from the kitchen, maybe just use it as utility/storage space. Don’t forget to make provision for two bulbs to illuminate the area well.

Also, I looked at your preferred fireplace and most definitely it will look nice with with the theme and feel of your new house, with a little adjustment to allow low level seating storage

If you need any further assistance with your renovation I'll be happy to help by email or by phone. You can reach me through our site: www.betterspace.co or by email to ed.rogers@betterspace.co. Good luck. Ed
Dee Mondair thanked BetterSpace: The Floor Plan Experts

Narrow sgl storey rear extn layout help needed

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Narrow sgl storey rear extn layout help needed

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Dee Mondair
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