Olivier Chabaud
Inspiration for a medium sized and white traditional detached house in Paris with three floors, a pitched roof and a brown roof.

We were commissioned by our clients to design a light and airy open-plan kitchen and dining space with plenty of natural light whilst also capturing the views of the fields at the rear of their property. We not only achieved that but also took our designs a step further to create a beautiful first-floor ensuite bathroom to the master bedroom which our clients love! Our initial brief was very clear and concise, with our clients having a good understanding of what they wanted to achieve – the removal of the existing conservatory to create an open and light-filled space that then connects on to what was originally a small and dark kitchen. The two-storey and single-storey rear extension with beautiful high ceilings, roof lights, and French doors with side lights on the rear, flood the interior spaces with natural light and allow for a beautiful, expansive feel whilst also affording stunning views over the fields. This new extension allows for an open-plan kitchen/dining space that feels airy and light whilst also maximising the views of the surrounding countryside. The only change during the concept design was the decision to work in collaboration with the client’s adjoining neighbour to design and build their extensions together allowing a new party wall to be created and the removal of wasted space between the two properties. This allowed them both to gain more room inside both properties and was essentially a win-win for both clients, with the original concept design being kept the same but on a larger footprint to include the new party wall. The different floor levels between the two properties with their extensions and building on the party wall line in the new wall was a definite challenge. It allowed us only a very small area to work to achieve both of the extensions and the foundations needed to be very deep due to the ground conditions, as advised by Building Control. We overcame this by working in collaboration with the structural engineer to design the foundations and the work of the project manager in managing the team and site efficiently. We love how large and light-filled the space feels inside, the stunning high ceilings, and the amazing views of the surrounding countryside on the rear of the property. The finishes inside and outside have blended seamlessly with the existing house whilst exposing some original features such as the stone walls, and the connection between the original cottage and the new extension has allowed the property to still retain its character. There are a number of special features to the design – the light airy high ceilings in the extension, the open plan kitchen and dining space, the connection to the original cottage whilst opening up the rear of the property into the extension via an existing doorway, the views of the beautiful countryside, the hidden nature of the extension allowing the cottage to retain its original character and the high-end materials which allows the new additions to blend in seamlessly. The property is situated within the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and our designs were sympathetic to the Cotswold vernacular and character of the existing property, whilst maximising its views of the stunning surrounding countryside. The works have massively improved our client’s lifestyles and the way they use their home. The previous conservatory was originally used as a dining space however the temperatures inside made it unusable during hot and cold periods and also had the effect of making the kitchen very small and dark, with the existing stone walls blocking out natural light and only a small window to allow for light and ventilation. The original kitchen didn’t feel open, warm, or welcoming for our clients. The new extension allowed us to break through the existing external stone wall to create a beautiful open-plan kitchen and dining space which is both warm, cosy, and welcoming, but also filled with natural light and affords stunning views of the gardens and fields beyond the property. The space has had a huge impact on our client’s feelings towards their main living areas and created a real showcase entertainment space.

Inspiration for a small classic family bathroom in London with a freestanding bath, a corner shower, a two-piece toilet, white tiles, ceramic tiles, pink walls, ceramic flooring, a wall-mounted sink, white floors and a hinged door.

Design ideas for a medium sized traditional home office in Essex with light hardwood flooring, a freestanding desk, beige floors, multi-coloured walls, a standard fireplace, a reading nook and a chimney breast.

The vaulted ceiling, created by the gable design, gives an impressive sense of space and openness. The large glass expanses at the rear only enhance this by bringing the outside in as much as possible. It creates an illusion of space. Approaches such as these give the impression that a space is larger than it actually is.

Jonathan Little Photography
This is an example of a medium sized classic grey and teal open plan living room in Surrey with ceramic flooring, grey floors and grey walls.

To the rear, a large singls storey flat roofed extension has been formed, complete with decorative fins to define the spaces within the open plan living accommodation across the back of the house. Set back from the single storey extension, a large first floor extension projects out above to form the new master bedroom.

To the rear, a large singls storey flat roofed extension has been formed, complete with decorative fins to define the spaces within the open plan living accommodation across the back of the house. Set back from the single storey extension, a large first floor extension projects out above to form the new master bedroom.

VELUX windows in home extension Did you know roof windows can let in twice as much natural light than vertical windows? Make the most of the space above your head with pitched or flat roof windows.

The rear garden has been paved to create a generous patio area with designated seating space set below a timber pergola. Beyond is a large family garden. Set back from the single storey extension, a large first floor extension projects out above to form the new master bedroom.

Medium sized traditional conservatory in Other.

Completed in 2006, this ogee roofed pavilion was an extension to a 16th century Towerhouse. The stone built pavilion opens onto the garden, accommodating a dining room and ancillary rooms. It sits comfortably in its setting, complementing both the Towerhouse and its Georgian extension.

Chris Snook
Photo of a medium sized classic brick house exterior in London with three floors.

Christine Francis
Inspiration for a medium sized and gey traditional two floor concrete house exterior in Melbourne.

XACT Pure Glass Roof Lantern 2140 x 1145mm installed on a single storey orangery style rear extension at a property in Marley Common, Haslemere. The skylight brings a modern touch to an otherwise traditional property.

This rear bedroom has floor mounted white radiators, new timber sash windows with window shutters, as well as painted floor boards. The fireplace has been retained and a new decorative wallpaper added onto its side wall. Photography by Verity Cahill

Design ideas for a medium sized and brown traditional two floor render and front house exterior in Surrey with a hip roof, a tiled roof and a brown roof.

This is an example of a medium sized and white classic render semi-detached house in Devon with four floors, a hip roof and a tiled roof.

Traditional facade retained in a heritage sensitive area
Photo of a small traditional house exterior in Sydney.