Minor House Alterations
Every house deserves to be wonderful, and this can often be achieved by checking the fundamental strengths of a property. A loft alteration or a rear extension is a chance to add flow and beauty. We take a holistic view of every project. Not only are we ambitious to meet the day one aims of the client, but also to see potential opportunities which can be unlocked. It’s the magic we aim to bring.
Sopwell, St Albans.
‘This is a tardis!’ (Probably my favourite quote of all time by a visiting friend.) The original house was originally a very modest three bedroom end terrace house in a quiet suburban street in St Albans.
Out of a cramped ground floor a large open plan living space was created, and a loft bedroom provided the ‘proper’ main bedroom the house lacked.
The project was designed and built in two stages over a period of five years. The home now has a bright open plan living space with light coming in from all sides. In summer, the sliding doors are opened up to the garden which works particularly well for garden parties and family events.
The loft is a luxurious space with sweeping views of the landscape beyond. The loft acts as the ideal sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of family life. Note the absence of annoying beams crowding the ceilings!
Spencer Gate, St Albans.
This project began as a standard loft conversion, but this double storey semi-detached house had other challenges. Two small dark rooms faced the garden, and the bedroom level prioritised the street side of the house, as is common in so many St Albans houses. Our clients were eager to keep the character of the existing house legible, and to create a joyful relationship with their garden.
Opening up the rear of the house forming a dining kitchen area released wonderful views of the mature garden. Additional light enters into the deeper space through a large roof light. Upstairs a new bedroom was added over the open plan space, with views enjoying the garden, along with the loft.
The loft en-suite bathroom was a challenge when only occupying the area inside the sloped roof, and contains some very effective tricks to maximise space where it is most needed.
Berkhamstead.
*This project has been granted planning approval.
Victorian terraces are designed the wrong way round for modern living. Retaining the lovely features while restoring the home’s relationship with its garden is what we prioritise. This design aims to achieve this by adding delicate glass boxes like jewel cases, enjoying the cascading views, whilst minimising the impact on adjoining neighbours.
Valley views as maximised, and light brought deep into the open plan space. Keeping the new forms simple keeps the rear facade as uncluttered as possible.
New 3D visualisation programs mean ideas can be better comunicated in the early stages of developing ideas.