“We always advise clients not to rush the design stage – investing time leads to fewer changes, and a smoother process”


offset by white stone counters. Lead architect Louisa then worked with award- winning Espresso Design, who create what have been described by the Sunday Times’ Style magazine as ‘the world’s coolest kitchens.’ Designing a kitchen to celebrate the


architectural style of the new build property resulted in bespoke furniture in a custom lacquer colour, with grain-matched Rosewood veneer island units, Istone Calcatta worktops, and a aesarstone lack epal oating reakast ar. e copan produced  coputer models of the kitchen, and it was exactly what we wanted,” says Paul. A striking open plan feature staircase was supplied by the builder, and creates a ocal point in te eart o te ground oor. Acoustic panelling was installed to dampen noise and prevent the atrium from becoming an echo chamber. “We needed to get a three month extension on our rental property because Covid meant that our project was inevitably running slightly late,” says Paul. “Once the house was in a habitable state, we did a partial possession in March 2022 and te uilders continued to finis o and


64 www.sbhonline.co.uk


complete the landscaping.” A porous resin driveway has been laid to


the front for better drainage, with an outdoor cooking area, barbecue, and seating in the back garden. “We plan to add a pergola and create a covering so that we can use the space in all weathers,” says Paul, who also employed LS uilders to construct a  2


stand-alone garden


studio/den for his sons and their friends in the rear garden, with sliding glass doors and exterior cladding to match the main house. “My initial budget guess was way off, and we ended up doubling it,” says Paul of their eventual £1.1m build. “The overall build and bungalow purchase costs just about break-even on today’s house valuation, so we’ve probably not ade a uge profit ut tat was neer our aim.


“Over the years, we’ve extended and odified arious oes ut onl now ae we really achieved what we wanted. This is exactly how we’d hoped to live and will still be ideal for just the two of us after the boys leave home. To be able to build our own home has been an incredibly creative and collaborative experience.”


jul/aug 2024


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