neighbours were helpful and allowed the builders to extend their working area. Further complications came with more unexpected costs. The area in which the original kitchen had been built was essentially sitting on sand. After discovering this, a completel new oorfoundation was to be constructed.


As with most construction endeavours, managing the budget took a central role. The unexpected costs meant remortgaging became a necessity, not once but twice. “We also had to remortgage for a second time towards the end of the build, as we realised we didn’t have enough to complete the internal aspects such as the new kitchen,” asserts Simon. Despite the kitchen being on a tight budget, the team managed to get clever with a combination of IKEA units and doors, with various suppliers providing other elements. “It doesn’t have the look of a typical IKEA kitchen!”


RECONFIGURATION The initial phase of the project involved the removal of the existing bathroom at the rear of the house. This made way for the primary extension encompassing a new modern kitchen, dining and seating area. It also facilitated the incorporation of additional storage, a combined downstairs WC and utility room, with a refined loune space with ample room for a piano.


The extension has aluminium, Crittall-style doors which open directly onto the slate tiled patio and out into the garden, providing a much more cohesive living and entertaining space. “We use the garden so much more than we used to as we now also have a back gate onto the alley behind our house leading directly up to the kids’ schools, which is very handy! It has completely changed the way


nov/dec 2023


we live; we always say it is like having a new house!” asserts Simon. The architect Joe says the challenge in


terms of the new layout was deciding where to locate the new family bathroom, a decision which would have a major impact on the current bedroom arrangement. In the end it was decided to moe it into a further first oor extension. Joe explains: “We also opted to extend upwards, also forming a loft conversion with a dormer window.” This redesign has not only added more living space downstairs but has also provided the children with their own areas. “By doing the loft conversion it has given our son a really good space for him to bring his friends back to,” says Simon. “He is a very keen drummer and the space allows him to have rehearsals up there with his friends. Given they are hidden away at the top of the house it has not been too disruptive, however you would have to ask the neighbours for their side of the story!”


INTERIOR DESIGN


Downstairs, the interior conveys a modern, sleek aesthetic, blending bold contrasts of black and white with the warmth of natural wood. “We wanted to achieve a space that didn’t feel the same as so many current interior schemes with the standard shaker kitchens with oa herrinbone oorin, sas imon The aim was to achieve a contemporary design that also gave a nod to the original house’s character.


The kitchen features thin 12 mm marble-


effect worktops, with a large island built with an integrated sink and brass tap. A separate built in hot drinbreafast alcoe within the kitchen units sits adjacent to this. The combination of oak veneered doors and matte black doors creates an overall sense of elegance in the space.


www.sbhonline.co.uk 59


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