Our client purchased this semi-detached house in Loughton, with the idea of creating additional living space. M P Architects were engaged to improve the property by adding a single-storey rear extension, removing some internal walls and general improvement to the building. The house was rendered with a light grey finish and all the windows were replaced with new double-glazed UPVC units.

The single-storey extension allowed us to create a good-sized kitchen, living and dining area. With bi-folding doors and Velux windows looking out onto the garden, the room benefits from lots of light and from what was a very dark and unattractive property, is a very light and friendly space.

The design meant the removal of the majority of the rear wall; therefore, a large steel beam was installed to carry the weight of the first floor above it. This is something that is carried out on many of our projects, so our designers are very familiar with dealing with this.