the project was to create distinct areas that allowed privacy within the home. The biggest restriction of the house’s


previous layout was the downstairs bathroom bein located at the rear of the round oor, completely blocking any connection to the garden. To access the garden the family had to go through a side door which was situated next to the downstairs toilet. Despite the desire for a substantial layout change, the family aimed to preserve elements of the original Victorian design. “The brief was essentially ‘not a box stuck on the end of the house’! We wanted a modern, interesting style but one which worked in harmony with and echoed the forms of the rear of the original property,” explains Simon. The architect that the couple tasked with the


renovation of the home was Joe Williams, of practice JW Bespoke. “We looked at several architects online, but we wanted to find a local one with more creativity to their work than many had,” explains Simon. The couple were blown away by Joe’s portfolio, and his style, which closely aligned with what they wanted to achieve on their build. As Jo and Simon both work in creative industries (Jo is an account director for a large design and marketing agency, and Simon an interior designer), they had already developed some good ideas, but Simon comments that they “just needed someone to bring these to life in a real and practical way!” Describing Joe’s contribution as “incredible,” the couple credit him for bringing reassurance and a calm demeanour, as well as valuable advice throughout their project.


PLANNING & CONSTRUCTION Despite the proposal including a large extension, navigating the planning process proved relatively smooth. However, as they


58 www.sbhonline.co.uk


were extending approximately 7.5 metres beyond the back of the house, the client and architect were “very conscious” of the neighbours. In an attempt to avoid any possible conict, the created lower eaes in order to minimise the impact of their home on neighbouring properties.


That said, a neighbour on one side also had ambitions to extend in the future. “We liaised with them and agreed that we could build a new party wall ‘across’ the boundary,” explains architect oe his had hue benefits for both parties and made for a much more efficient use of space. Another happy outcome was that he was also subsequently appointed to design and deliver their extension. he construction process, while efficient,


brought its own set of challenges. The builders’ swift progress, though a positive, demanded quick decision-making which left little room to muse on an idea or approach. While the majority of their work was good, unfortunatel some of the finishin wasnt up to Simon and Jo’s standards. “Being a designer with an eye for detail, this was very important to me!” explains Simon. Not only this but the project was built against the challenging backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, with material shortages and price hikes adding to the stress. The build also had its challenges from a practical point of view. The house, like many ictorian properties, benefitted from a side access passage from the front through to the rear garden. Joe Williams emphasises, “Maintaining this was important from a practical point of view, but it did present design challenges!” The passageway’s narrow dimensions meant that onl a minidier could fit throuh, meaning that “the build sequence was very important!” explains Joe. Fortunately, both


nov/dec 2023


The extension has


aluminium Crittall-style doors which open directly onto the slate-tiled patio, providing a more cohesive living and entertaining space for the family


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