This charming detached property in Sawbridgeworth originally featured a traditional layout with separate small kitchen, dining, and living room. While the front living room remains unchanged, the rear dining room and kitchen have been transformed into a stunning spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area.
A straightforward 3-metre rear extension has expanded the space to approximately 9 by 6 metres, including an extended patio area. This creates a wonderful open-plan living area, enhanced by bi-fold doors and rooflights that flood the interior with natural light.
This newly created space is perfect for large families or family gatherings, offering clear, open-plan areas ideal for communal activities.
Notably, this extension was completed under permitted development rights and only required Building Regulations consent, avoiding the need for extensive planning permission.
The project considered various design options. The client preferred an open-plan layout, which necessitated removing the entire rear wall of the house. To support the upper floor, steel posts were installed at each end, with a large steel beam spanning the width of the house. This required using a crane to position the beam, which had to be bolted together in sections to achieve the desired span. While a smaller beam with a circular column was considered to reduce deflection and potential cracking on the first floor, the client opted for the more open design.
Externally, the extension is modest and harmonises with the existing house, featuring a simple tiled lean-to roof. This project enhances the property’s internal layout significantly without encroaching on too much of the garden space.