A Future Proof Extension
South Downs Bungalow, 2024
An expansion and deep retrofit of a bungalow in the South Downs National Park will provide energy savings and an invigorated family home.
The transformation of this ‘ugly duckling’ has been driven by a desire to reduce carbon footprint and provide a range of family friendly spaces whilst respecting the existing house and streetscape.
Rationalising the plan
Over time the existing house had grown from a simple bungalow through layered extensions and amendments without an overall design ethos. The key to providing a successful design for the client was to review and address the existing constraints to rethink the plan.
A functional core of utility and bathrooms has been sited at the heart of the existing house. making use of existing services and providing a buffer space between the private bedrooms.
A new rear extension houses the sociable kitchen, dining and living rooms which have been sized to cutely fit the intended functions of these spaces. This approach simultaneously respects size restrictions of the local planning authority and provides interest to the various indoor and outdoor spaces.
An Explorative and Collaborative Process
The design process begins with a clear briefing discussion and documentation, understanding the wants and needs of the client as well as the constraints and opportunities of the site is key to providing a design solution that provides long lasting value and quality.
Through sketching, testing and engaged discussion the briefing stage is expanded into a concept and strategic design ready for statutory permissions and construction.
The crafted Architecture which results is bespoke and personal, a response to the brief and site constraints which can only be achieved through an engaged process.
