DILLY LANE | REMODEL
Project Description: Remodel of existing bungalow in Highcliffe, Dorset
Total Gross Internal Area: Existing 156m²; Proposed 241m² (inc garage)
Planning Granted: 2013
Project Type: Internal and External Remodel of Existing Dwelling
Procurement Method: Project manager appointed to manage the site and supervise trade contractors on behalf of the Client.
Construction Technique: Mass concrete trench fill foundations; Suspended concrete beam and block ground floor structure; Load bearing masonry cavity walls to ground floor with localised steel frame and on site fabricated timber frame walls to first floor; Traditional timber cut pitched roof.
This property is positioned in a secluded location on a sloping site and recent nearby development means that there is a good opportunity to create an individually design property.
Built in the 1950s, this 2 bedroom bungalow has a simple square footprint of just 90m². The property is located close to the road with a small front garden. The rear garden slopes steeply down and provides a secluded outlook onto mature trees located along the boundaries. There is a small terrace area immediately outside the back door with steps leading down into the garden. The connection with the rear garden is poor does not allow easy transition to promote its use. When inside the property there is limited outlook onto the garden and this is where the quality of the internal spaces fail to take advantage of what the site has to offer. There is an existing garage located to the rear garden which cannot be accessed due to the narrow drive to the side boundary.
With only 2 bedrooms the property will not be able to contain a family and considerably more space is required and alterations to allow the existing property to connect with the rear amenity space is a must.
Due to the level change, extending will be expensive so the approach should be to minimise ground works whilst moving existing bedroom space up into a new first floor storey to produce better quality living spaces on the ground floor. This should generate a finished property in the region of 2,000 ft² with minimum 3 bedrooms and open plan living downstairs.
Conceptual Approach
To avoid extensive ground works the additional accommodation needs to be located in a new first floor storey. The overall structure I have chosen is a simple duo-pitched roof with the ridge aligned front to back. This means that the eaves level is low at the boundaries and less likely to impact neighbours amenity. Although there are sloping ceilings with the rooms, a low pitch should allow full use of the floor plan area, and if vaulted will also create some dramatic spaces. A simple roof form with no complicated junction will produce cost efficiency. Moving the bedrooms up out of the ground floor layout reduces to need for any significant extensions to allow god quality living spaces downstairs. If the majority of the external ground floor walls can be retained with only minor modifications then this will further ensure the costs are reduced.
Ground Floor plan
The small bedroom adjacent the hall has been combined to create a larger entrance hall that can contain a nice feature staircase leading up into the new first floor storey complete with double height vaulted ceiling. The existing living room has been converted into an integral garage as parking is restricted and the position of the existing garage to the rear is poor and inaccessible. The existing bedroom to the left of the entrance hall can become a good sized study or 2nd reception room. By removing the existing bathroom and w.c on the rear elevation and extending a large open plan kitchen and living area has been created stretching across the width of the property with the addition of a small utility room with side access. The rear façade can be predominantly glazed and will allow natural light to flood into these spaces whilst producing a fantastic outlook onto the rear garden. The floor level to this area has also been dropped down to create high ceilings and allow this space to connect better to the rear garden. On entrance to the property, visitors are greeted by a view right through the property and onto the rear garden beyond.
First Floor Plan
Upstairs the new feature stair and gallery landing lead to 3 double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The master bedroom benefits from a walk through dressing area and en suite and Bedroom 2 also having en suite facilities. A large roof overhang to the rear elevation allows to creation of a covered terrace accessed from the master bedroom and bedroom 2. Bedroom 3 is a good sized double and is located close to the family bathroom.
Summary
The existing bungalow has been transformed into a contemporary family home. The internal spaces are comfortable and have been located to take advantage of the best the site has to offer. The finished design has created a space efficient property with a footprint of approximately 210m² (including garage). The main features include a large open plan kitchen living area with raised ceiling heights and full width glazed façade leading out onto large terrace areas and aspect onto a mature garden. The master bedroom has been positioned to have the outlook onto the rear garden further enhanced with a full width covered terrace area.