Tobias S - Richmond, London
This is one of the larger projects that we have under taken since establishing Ask My Architect. This large 1930's semi detached property was altered on all 3 floors changing the layout dramaticallly and changing a 4 bedroom with one bathroom house into a 5 bedroom with 3 bathroom house with open plan living space on the ground floor, utility, downstairs toilet and cloakroom.
Step 1: Consultation & Live Design Session
The Consultation for this project was carried out over a full day and took 7 hours to complete. The Cliient had strong idea of what they wanted to acheive and wiith 5 children really needed the extra space that was created, thankfully they were open to ideas on how best to acheive this alonng with estbishing a sttrong concept for the overall build.
The orientation of the property meant that it was important to gain as much natural light as possible deep into the heart of the dwelling. To the rear oof the garden there was a veryy large mature tree that we decided to frame through the use of a large structural glazed box window and roof light from the living area. This was also used to give a modern intepretation at the rear of the property of the trdiitional bbay window we added to the front elevation.
Step 2: Planning Approval
In order to achieve planning approval for the overall project we submitted 2 applications to the local authority.
The first application was a certificate of lawful development for the additional space in the loft. The neighbouring property had already undertaken a loft conversion and it was quickly agreed with the client that the best way forward was too reflect this in the proposed design. The addditional volume added to the roof was just over 20 cubic metres well within the 50 cubic metre allowance on a semi detached property. A hip to gable extension was considered but ruled out on cost grounds and it was deemed not to be required to meet the initial brief during the live design session carrried out in step 1.
The second application was a full householer planning application for the additions to the ground floor. We extended by the maxium currently permitted by the local authority in this area of 4 metres to the rear and across the full width of the property. The rear elevation was split up into 3 sections, the first containing the feature glass box window and the other 2 made up of 2 large sliding doors. The mind reads architectural elements very well in three's and this thinking worked very well in this instance.
The certificate of lawful development was granted after 10 weeks after submiission, however the planning department did ask for the drawings to be altered to show the dormer for the loft conversion in the context of the existing property, they would not accept the drawings when it showed the dormer in the context of the proposed ground floor extensions. It is worth noting this point on all permitted development applications.
The full planning application was also granted within 10 weeks after submission.
Step 3: Building Regulation Drawings
The detailed design for this project was critical at the pricing stage as several bespoke materials and systems where specified on the project. These included
1. The Green roof to the ground floor extension.
2. The structural glazing and sliding doors to the rear.
3. Removal of existing ventilated ground floor and replacement with concrete bearing ground floor slab and intregrated underfloor heating system.
4. Insulated Render system to north facing soliid brickwork elevation to reduce heat loss of the external envelope.
5. Launndry shoot from first floor landing direct into grround floor utility.
Step 4: Project Management and Builder Recommendation
Ask my Architect were available to offer advice and guidance throughout the build period as required by the client and contractor. During the build period the client changed some aspects of the design specifically in relation to the loft Ensuite as we found when the contractor opened up the project that the floor level in the loft had to be raised up by 80mm. This was easy to implement and actually improved the quality of the end result.
The Project was finished in 23 weeks from September 2012 through to March 2013.
