Gilders
Type: Residential
Location: Sawbridgeworth
Service: Survey, Planning and Building Regulations
Project Team Architects: Martyn Pattie, Tom Wiffen
Contractor: Burns Build
Completion Date: June 2024
Project Brief
The project involved transforming a traditional detached property in Sawbridgeworth, originally designed with small, separated rooms, into a spacious, modern open-plan living area. The aim was to create a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, while maintaining the existing front living room. A 3-metre rear extension and patio were planned to expand the property’s footprint and maximize natural light through bi-fold doors and rooflights.
Challenges
Our client desired an open-plan layout, which required removing the entire rear wall of the house. This posed a significant structural challenge, as the upper floor needed proper support after removing a load-bearing wall.
The project required balancing the client’s preference for a large, open space with potential structural implications. Different design options were considered, such as using a smaller beam and column to reduce deflection, which could cause cracking on the first floor.
While the project aimed to avoid extensive planning permissions, it had to comply with Building Regulations to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the modifications.
The client wanted to enhance the internal space without significantly reducing the outdoor area, creating a design challenge to expand efficiently
Solutions
Structural Engineering: Steel posts were installed at each end of the removed rear wall, and a large steel beam was used to span the width of the house to support the upper floor. Due to the size of the beam, a crane was required to position it, and it was bolted together in sections. This solution provided the necessary structural support while maintaining the desired open-plan design.
Open-Plan Design: The client’s preference for a spacious, flowing layout was achieved by selecting the large steel beam instead of a smaller beam with a circular column. Though this increased the complexity, it ensured a more open, unobstructed space.
Permitted Development: The project was completed under permitted development rights, meaning that it avoided the need for extensive planning permission. Only Building Regulations consent was required, streamlining the approval process while ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Extension and Patio Integration: The 3-metre rear extension created a 9 by 6-metre open-plan living area, with additional patio space to complement the new internal layout. The external design of the extension, including a tiled lean-to roof, was kept modest to fit with the existing house while providing a significant upgrade to the interior without encroaching too much on the garden.
The 3-metre rear extension created a 9 by 6-metre open-plan living area, with additional patio space to complement the new internal layout. The external design of the extension was kept modest to ensure it didn’t encroach too much on the garden.
Results
The result is a stunning open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, perfect for large families or social gatherings. The new space is flooded with natural light thanks to bi-fold doors and rooflights, and the seamless transition between indoors and outdoors enhances the property’s overall appeal. By opting for a rear extension and utilising permitted development rights, the project was completed efficiently, creating a modern, airy space that enhances the property’s value without compromising its external appearance or garden space.
