4 Beach Road

We took up the reins from a builder who recommended us to the Client to help them realise their vision of developing their house, which they had lived in for 3 years, into their home.

The main priority was to create a new kitchen, informal dining area and utility room - with lots of light and views to the garden. The Client was very open minded about the approach to the extension. Because the house enjoyed a large unique double sized living room at the front of the house, the family did not intend to have their main meals in the new kitchen area, but rather create a breakfast area with banquette style seating at the back of the house, which could provide a sociable area for when friends and family are staying whilst the Client was busy in the kitchen area.

The utility area was already off the kitchen area, having been added by the previous owner but not fitted out. There was also a conservatory off the kitchen, completely blocking off the kitchen, which had no clear views or direct access to the garden. The brief was to replace the conservatory with an extension, the extension then creating a more open usable kitchen area with views and access out to the garden. The Client liked the idea of a light-weight glass extension, but was mindful of the solar gain and interested in including louvres, if costs allowed (the rest of the house is also to be refurbished in time).

Access to the rear of the property was not an issue, and the Client intends to move the existing garage and create a workshop further down the garden in the future. As part of a feasibility study I prepared options for a lightweight glazed solution and a more traditional approach, sought structural advice for both and also double checked with Havant Borough Council whether planning permission was required or not (I completed a pre planning application to double check that the works fell within the permitted development criteria). Based on the structural advice, the Client decided to go for the more traditional approach but together we worked very hard to find a window and door solution which brought in as much natural light as possible as well as provide views out, whilst at the same time being mindful of cost. The new extension is smaller than the conservatory it replaced, and this provided the added advantage of opening up further views to the garden from the existing tv room next to the kitchen.

The existing double doors have been replaced with a new large window which includes a window seat. The brick work which had been painted, being inside the conservatory has been restored and replaced where necessary providing an improved elevation in keeping with the original house. Having established planning permission was not required, the scheme was developed for a full plans building regulation application. Once these were passed, the package was developed for the Client to then invite 2 quotes, one builder nominated by the Client and one nominated by us. Farndell Builders (Sussex) Ltd were the successful Contractor and our commission was extended to provide site supervision. This was due in part to the fact that the Client wished to have help in choosing finishes and fittings, which included built in furniture such as the banquette seating and also a cleaner's cupboard with wine storage.

The Client and I visited kitchen show rooms, many flooring, tiling and work top suppliers, investigated colour,lighting and ironmongery. This was really enjoyable and by working together we found some really stylish but cost effective solutions to help add the finishing touch to the new extension, providing a unique new kitchen and informal dining area personal to the Client.