Extending onto raised area
I am in the process of researching potential designs for single storey rear extension to be open plan kitchen/diner and informal living space. Whilst have found great examples on here in photos and through articles, mostly these are extending onto level area or requiring steps down. I however am extending onto raised ground, so will presumably need to part excavate.
Anyone on here undertaken similar project? Interested in seeing photos, and guidance on how to best use area.
These photos were taken today, so light will vary but gives you idea of garden positioning... and surrounding fencws will stay same height too.
Comments (8)
Jen Star
4 years ago
PROKay Moden
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoHi Jen,
There's a few options here.
A good practice is have this part pavement/wood floor (kitchen level), part green (upper area, back garden). Photo below
Other option is to have small opening for garden access and glass panels/windows with higher level, as per photo below.
If you want a more funky solution, your extension roof can also serve as a small balcony or access to an upper extension, as it's easier to create access from a higher ground:
We work with this type of extensions and would be happy to develop this for you. Please dont hesitate to get in touch.Andrei
Kay Moden
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Comments (1)Floorplan also. Roofspace over bathroom is hollow so would be higher than main kitchen ceiling....See MoreReplacing an existing raised patio with a basement room. What roof?
Comments (4)I agree with Mayfly182, although maybe a little harsh. I'd approach an Architect in the first instance and they will be able to advise on the structure of the building required as a whole, it won't just be the roof that they will concentrate on. It will entirely depend on many, many factors, not least of which, would probably be underpinning of the existing structure and of course drainage. It's not just an extension, the underpinning is what adds thousand to the project. ( as in literally doubles it ) I don't know what your budget is, however, it would be much, much cheaper to extend at current ground level to the left or right of the existing building. Have you explored that as an option?...See Moreadvice on how to best use the existing extension instead of extending
Comments (24)The first one is the cheapest as it utilises the building as it is with no extension. It does use the space well, You have to weigh up what you need with what you want. The first one doesn't give the extra storage for coats, shoes etc and blocks the Hallway front to back, which is always good in a house, as it makes it feel roomy. Given your budget of 90K i'd choose the second one, as it's just a much better layout. You open your front door and can see through in to the garden with the doors open. There's a load of storage. The bathroom is bigger, the Utility is bigger etc. I would always encourage people to take their designs to local Estate Agents and run them past them. You need to check that you're adding value, not over extending and that you're not spending more than the house will be worth....See MoreNot sure how best to extend property to add a larger dining area
Comments (4)Hi Samuel, thanks for getting back to me. I think an extension would help and you have got the space for it. Roof lights will bring a lot of light into the extension and you could have a flat roof or mono-pitch. The only issue perhaps is by extending the house would be a little 'bottom heavy' but my thoughts are most of one's time in the home is spent downstairs! The extension wouldn't need to be as long as I've done it, and if you're under 3m from the current back wall you could potentially do it under permitted development (providing you meet the other criteria). If you wanted to extend, this what I was thinking. I've put together a little mock-up quickly, leaving the washing machine etc at the front of the garage. Door would need to swing the other way probably. Kitchen layout would need some thought. Might be nice to use the reduced height in the garage for office/ snug with new glazing to the garden. If you need more storage/ the utility wall could move to give you more space with a smaller snug area. Yellow boxes are Velux and green is flat roof windows could be put anywhere really/any size. These are the two options to give you an idea of roof options....See More
PROUser
4 years agoarc3d
4 years agoHi Jen,
Helped a friend a few years ago to do a similar extension. His was a terraced house. Permitted development is actually 6m for non-detached properties.
Extensions like yours are as common as those that are higher than the ground so I'm surprised you haven't found pictures!
Your garden is not high enough to need structural calculations for building retainer walls so any reputable builder will be able to advise you on how much of your and your neighbours garden will need supporting.
My friend also didn't want to take earth through the house so instead we created a raised area at the back of the garden and used the excavated earth to fill it.
Because your garden doesn't get much sun I would recommend lots of glass i.e. large bi fold doors and a generous skylight.
Jen Star
4 years agoThanks Arc3d. Was looking for more examples where didn't need to excavate with levels being internal (and due to cost) but guess they are more difficult due to height restrictions, although do like angles of 6th photo's retaining walls.
The sun starts in rear of garden and sets directly into current rear of house. The below is 1pm.
Think may be case of getting creative both internal and external, although dont think local council likes anything except cookie cutter plans! Fingers crossed.
arc3d
4 years agoAlso lots of ways of "using up" the excavated earth. A friend of mine from a little up the road built tall raised flower beds on the side of the garden. You could have them running the length of the garden and even a raised eating area at the back. Quite a common solution here where I live as its quite hilly.
Raised eating area and planters
You can use a bit of maths to work out how much you would excavate and then work out the size of the seating area, how high it needs to be and the same with planters in order to use up all the earth.
Keep in mind though that earth doubles in volume when its dug up so if you move it, it needs to be compacted again.
Sonia
4 years agoI’m not a Pro, but my home is a terrace with no side access but there is a rear access service road. When I had my garage built at the end of the garden, we had nowhere for a skip so my builder brother and his team loaded the excess soil and rubbish into a friend’s tipper truck and did several trips to the nearest commercial recycling centre. A good builder will always have a solution. The terrace nearest the house is lower than the rest of the garden.
Jen StarOriginal Author