Home Extension – Nazeing
Type: Residential Ground Floor Extension and Garage Conversion
Budget: £300k plus ex-contract kitchen
Size: The original house size was 81m², and it has been expanded to 155m² on the ground floor, adding an extra 52% to the area. The living room has increased from 24m² to 73m² and now includes the kitchen. The old kitchen has been converted into a ground-floor bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and a front sitting room.
Location: Essex
District Council: Epping Forest
Service: Full Architectural Service
Project Team Architects: MP Chartered Architects
Structural Engineer & CDM Consultant: RSA Design
Contractor: SER Construction Ltd
Building Control: London Building Control.
Completion Date: March 2023
Project Brief
This project aimed to extensively renovate and expand a detached house by removing an old garage and adding ground-floor extensions. The refurbishment encompassed all rooms, including the replacement of internal doors and frames and the renovation of two first-floor bathrooms. Key upgrades included insulating all internal walls for improved thermal performance, installing water-based underfloor heating across the ground floor, upgrading loft insulation, and replacing existing doors and windows with slimline aluminium frames. The exterior was transformed from a brick facade to a combination of new brick and high end render.
Challenges
Structural Integration Integrating the new extensions with the existing structure was a major challenge. This involved removing the entire rear wall and a significant portion of the side wall, supported by a large transverse cranked steel beam and additional steel beams extending towards the street. During installation, the house was propped on acroprops, disrupting the lower sections of the upper room walls. Careful brickwork reinstatement was necessary post-installation to ensure structural integrity. These extensive structural modifications were crucial in creating a spacious 73m² open-plan kitchen and family room, featuring a distinctive exposed black-painted cranked steel beam that visually separates the upper floor, giving it a floating appearance.
Architectural Enhancements
Architectural enhancements included a new feature oak staircase with oak and glazed balustrades. A double-height hall with Crittall-style doors and glazed screens in black aluminium frames was created, offering views through to the new kitchen and courtyard garden. These features added aesthetic appeal while enhancing the functionality and flow of the living spaces.
Client Collaboration and Interior Design
Significant client input throughout the project led to continuous refinements and adjustments, resulting in a stunning final design. Schmidt Kitchens were chosen for their expertise, contributing to the integration of media/TV displays and new furniture throughout the house. The client particularly appreciated new features like the hidden pantry accessed through tall kitchen units and the addition of a utility room and garden store, enhancing practicality and storage options compared to the original layout.
Outdoor Living Space
The L-shaped rear extension created a 34m² courtyard garden, designed as a sunny outdoor living area with steps leading up to a lawned area. This addition transformed the outdoor space into a functional and inviting environment that complements the expanded interior living areas.
Conclusion
The project successfully transformed a typical 1970s detached house into a unique, spacious home with enhanced functionality and modern aesthetics. The extensive structural modifications, architectural enhancements, and careful integration of client preferences and high-quality finishes showcase the potential for revitalising properties of this era into contemporary living spaces and increasing kerb appeal. While the upstairs area remains the same size, it has been fully refurbished with two upgraded bathrooms and three bedrooms.
