a layout headache needing a cure

last year

My friend has a tiny budget and is thinking of replacing a worn out glass conservatory with a fresh new one or perhaps a single story sun room in its place.

I am urging her to take stock and plan first...seems that there might be an opportunity to turn this house that disappoints her into a home that she loves!

Briefly;

She and her husband share with beloved cats and dogs whose beds dominate the small reception room. Door keeping them out of kitchen stops them escaping outside when visitors arrive at door.
Space under stairs not used apart from TV cabinet. Currently a stairgate in the reception limits access of pets to first floor
A dining table is on the wish list (can eat without pets there)
The current conservatory is in an enclosed back garden and provides the only access to the rear.

Sorry for sketch plan and measurements not accurate- the principles of optimising layout are key here rather than specifics.

If you can help I will be eternally grateful as it will cheer this otherwise despondent friend in 2023. Your support in showing her that simple planning can transform her life and not just spending on "off the shelf" conservatory solutions can be great.

Thank you

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Comments (4)

kazzh
last year
Can you get any pics of the space? And any chance of a floor plan - which shows how the space relates to the other areas of the home. Check out the web for listings for like / similar homes in the street or area - you might be able to find a property listing with the same layout to help houzzers get an understanding of the home.
Helen thanked kazzh
Jonathan
last year
So why does the house disappoint? What problems need sorting? Is it that having no official hallway means insufficient storage? Perhaps she would prefer a better connection with the garden? Is it just difficult to furnish the lounge when it has to house the pets and be a cut through to the stairs? Do the they need a dining room or do the just need a pet free space?

Also do they realistically have any money for renovations and if so how much?
Helen thanked Jonathan
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Hi there! First, congratulations! It's exciting when you get a new home and there is so much potential, especially when it's a big dream one and I'm sure you've worked hard to get it. There is so much potential in this to be a beautiful home. It is similar to many of the houses I've worked on - large Victorian Villas in conservations area are exactly the kind of project I specialise in. There is a lot to unpick in this and you have lots of choices, which ones suit you best will depend on many factors including financial. For example - how much of a structural alteration to make, and which period features to protect. You've already started to make decisions around this, for example with the tiles in the hall, which is excellent. You could for example remove the chimney breast which splits the space in two between what would probably have been the original kitchen and morning room or laundry/scullery. This chimney continues up through the whole house and you could remove it entirely, freeing up space on each floor, or just to the ground floor. If you wanted to remove it externally this would require planning permission and may be tricky to get permission for depending how visible it is from the street and the particular protected characteristics of your conservation area. The idea of creating a courtyard could work nicely, but I wouldn't recommend building a standard conservatory - the amount of time you can use them comfortably is very limited. To build a high quality one that gives you comfortably useable space year round is costly - more so than a standard build that isn't a conservatory because glazing can be costly. Although it does depend what you want to use it for - as a mud room / utility it might work as you only tend to pass through rather than want to spend time in there enjoying the space. A thing to note about conservatories is that they can't be heated in the same way as a habitable space and comply with building regulations. The key to any redesign is getting a clear vision in place for how you will live there. If you want a home you can live in with ease and pleasure then it's essential to get that vision clear from the off. I have a free Design Your Home Vision Checklist that you can get here to start with: https://www.i-architect.co.uk/dyhvchecklist.html I'd love to help you with the redesign and the best way I can start to do that is with my Big Picture Plan - this is a sketch design package that includes helping you create a really in depth vision and then redesign to deliver your vision. It also includes support to help you double check that the design really is right for you. I'm happy to hop on a fitting call with you to talk this through and make sure its right for you if you prefer to have a chat before booking - if it's not right then I'll advise you what you could do instead. You can find out more and book the Big Picture Plan here: https://www.i-architect.co.uk/bpp.html Best wishes with your home redesign! Jane award winning chartered architect eco-home and conservation area specialist www.i-architect.co.uk
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Helen
Original Author
last year
Hi Jonathan and thank you. I put your questions directly to my friend and re-posted with plans and a photo of the living area.

Maximising storage is desired. A space with a dining table is a must (not present now so yes, furnishing the lounge is challenging but any proposed changes would need to be compelling). When asked directly, separate areas with doors for privacy (and to let pets in/ out) were high on the list of priorities.

My main concern for her is spending savings on a conservatory may lead to a house that still disappoints (but with a new conservatory on the back)

Thank you.

All of my faith has been invested in you all on her behalf.

Helen
Helen
Original Author
last year
Just put your thoughtful comments to her..let's see what she comes back with. Thank you.

a layout headache needing a cure

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kazzh

Jonathan

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a layout headache needing a cure

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kazzh

Jonathan

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