Virginia Water

Virginia Water

Brief

Our client approached us wishing to extend their 1930s five-bedroom detached house within the Wentworth Estate, subject to stringent Green Belt regulations and compliant with the Wentworth Estate Act 1964 and planning authority guidelines. They sought to extend and reconfigure the southern end of the property, to create a spacious open-plan kitchen/breakfast/snug area and enhance their bedrooms on the first floor with an en-suite and dressing room. The objective was to optimise natural light, enhance spatial quality, and integrate the rear of the property with the outdoors while preserving its 1930s architectural style and design.

Response

Our design strategy involved replacing the existing single-storey extension with a large single-storey side and rear extension. The addition encompassed a generously proportioned open-plan kitchen and garden room, a separate utility room, WC, and pantry all benefiting from direct access to the landscaped garden and outdoor dining area.

A pitched roof featuring strategically positioned skylights serves as a striking focal point (in keeping with it’s 1930’s style), and expansive glazed doors adding a contemporary elegance to the overall design, emphasising tranquillity and harmony. Neutral colour tones were used to enhance the sense of light and space, complemented by earthy hues and wooden elements that seamlessly merged indoor spaces with the surrounding natural environment—an approach in line with the top trends of 2024.

In response to the client’s desire for additional amenities, we proposed building an extension above the lounge area on the north side of the first floor. This extension integrated en-suite bathrooms and a dressing room, enhancing both functionality and luxury. Sustainable elements such as solar panels and high levels of insulation were also integrated into the design.

Windmill Cottage

WINDMILL COTTAGE

Brief

Our clients were ‘down-sizing’ and purchased this attractive terraced cottage overlooking a village green. 
Our brief was to turn the dwelling into a modern/forever home whilst maintaining the character of the cottage. 

Response

The staircase was relocated from the rear to the front of the cottage to provide more space for a new kitchen. A seven metre long oak timber beam creates a full-width opening from the kitchen to the new zinc-roofed extension. A full-width rooflight provides light and ventilation into the middle of the plan. A circular oak post supports the roof and narrow-profile sliding glazed doors provide views of the rear garden. The ground floor level now accommodates a new utility room, pantry and WC. At the first floor level a new dressing room and ensuite were provided to the master bedroom. A new sedum-roofed oak-framed double garage was constructed to the rear.

Cockshot Road

Cockshot Road

The client's Brief

The new owners of a Victorian detached property in the heart of Reigate, expressed a deep appreciation for the house’s original features, fittings, and finishes. Their vision was to maintain the integrity of the property while incorporating modern elements to enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Our Response

Our design approach was guided by respecting the property’s charm and period features, to create spaces that not only complemented the original design but also enhanced the overall living experience.

A new family bathroom was provided in the sloping-roofed space above the new garden/study, the design of which was informed by the existing conservatory that it replaced. The bathroom is illuminated by south-facing rooflights and the steps down into the bathroom have been hinged to provide secret storage for toiletries. A glazed-roof verandah creates a sheltered area from which to enjoy the gardens. The new open-plan kitchen/dining area benefits from natural light received from a large south-facing bay window – a perfect place to enjoy a book.

Old School Mews

old school mews

Brief

Our clients house was converted from a former Victorian schoolhouse and is locally listed. The small cellular kitchen was remote from the living areas which themselves were disconnected from the attractive private and communal gardens.

Response

We relocated the kitchen to the garden end of the dwelling where a ‘letterbox’ window throws light directly onto work surfaces. A continuous angled wall of cupboards and units leads from the entrance door, through the entrance hall to the kitchen and garden room beyond. The garden room extension is illuminated by rooflights and provides views and physical connection to the garden via a new verandah. A new utility room provides a route into the house for muddy dogs, whilst a discrete stable door arrangement keeps them out of the kitchen area. When viewed from the first floor master bedroom the sedum roof provides a direct visual connection to the green of the communal gardens beyond.

Wilmots Close

wilmots close

Brief

We were approached by our client to transform their 1970s home to provide a modern living space, while retaining its existing garage and utilising the space at the side and rear of the property. The client sought to enhance functionality, and create better connectivity with the outdoor areas. Key requirements included the addition of a utility room with external access, improved living spaces, and a contemporary aesthetic to align with modern-day living standards.

Response

Our approach involved the design and implementation of a single side and rear extension, commonly referred to as a ‘wrap-around’ or ‘L-shaped’ extension. This extension redefined the spatial layout of the home, accommodating various new features to meet the client’s needs.
The extension facilitated the integration of a home office, utility room with a dedicated side entrance, a shower room/WC, an open-plan kitchen/dining area, and a snug. The design prioritised the infusion of natural light through strategically placed large glazed areas while ensuring protection against summer overheating with the inclusion of a roof overhang.

Externally, the addition of an external recess for the utility room and entrance addressed practical concerns by providing covered space for bicycles and bins. Additionally, a curved patio wall was incorporated to optimise outdoor dining space without compromising the overall garden area.

Moores Road

Moores Road

Brief

Our client had recently moved into this 1930s bungalow which had already been twice extended. Having moved from a Passivhaus, the client brief required not only internal remodelling but also significant thermal upgrading to create a home with very low energy use.

Response

We introduced high levels of insulation to the external walls, roof and floor. Windows and external doors were replaced with new Passivhaus-standard triple-glazed items. The upgraded heating system included underfloor heating, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and solar PV collectors.

Mid Street

MID Sreet

Brief

This characterful house had a generous entrance and parking courtyard, but access to the courtyard was via a narrow drive squeezed between two neighbouring properties and a boundary wall.

Response

We proposed a new vehicular entry point directly off the highway on the opposite side of the courtyard. The courtyard itself was completely re-planned incorporating a new garage block and attractive planting areas.

Higher Drive

Higher Drive

Brief

Our client required an improved entrance arrangement, a new utility room and a larger kitchen with strong connection to the rear garden and the remainder of the house.

Response

We removed the existing rear kitchen extension and designed a new open-plan kitchen/dining area with rooflights and doors onto the existing rear patio. The kitchen features a polished concrete floor and a large glazed area which provides attractive views over the garden and countryside beyond.

Windermere Way

Windermere Way

Brief

Our client required the extension of their property to accommodate a growing family and a new self-contained ‘granny annexe’.

Response

We extended the house sideways to provide a total of five bedrooms. The plan is organised around a new central circulation area enjoying distant views. The two front bedrooms share a balcony over the new entrance. The annexe is self contained but connected internally.

High Trees Road

high Trees Road

Brief

This house had remained pretty much untouched since its construction in the 1960’s. A complete refurbishment and extension was required.

Response

We designed a new dual-aspect kitchen/dining/living room in a single storey zinc-roofed side extension which also contained a utility room, office and garage. The dining/living area is connected to a large patio and the rear garden via a new veranda. A new bay window was added to the front of the house as a counterpoint to the original entrance canopy.