CONTACTS/ SUPPLIERS


ARCHITECT ID Architecture idarchitecture.co.uk


KITCHEN


Sam Neal Kitchens samuelnealkitchens.co.uk


WORKTOP Dekton


Cosentino.com


BATTERIES Solax


solaxpower.com BUILDER


Belvin Construction Belvin.co.uk


Rather than live with compromised spaces, a design can deliver.


“the project as a whole went very smoothly, however, when the Principal Contractor commenced onsite, they discovered a large historic break soakaway beneath the existing slab of the conservatory. This ultimately meant further investigations had to be carried out by the engineer before diverting and backfi lling with mass concrete.” Here, at the back of the house, both new sections are clad in larch, a choice the Belchers made under the guidance of their architect, following their preference for timber that could be left untreated. And this wasn’t their only environmentally conscious choice. The rural location meant that gas was never an option, so the couple chose solar panels instead, which are positioned on the older part of the house. These are connected to two batteries, manufactured by Solax. “It means we are almost independent of electricity and our daily spend is in the pence,” explains Jason. “We chose solar as we were not convinced by air source heat pumps.”


Downstairs in the new section is a spacious kitchen. Designed around a 15-foot-long island, the design is unusual, as no other countertops or splashback tiles are required. The bank of tall cabinetry against the walls is sleek, modern, and creates a huge amount of storage. Local company Sam Neal Kitchens supplied the timber cabinetry, and the island worktop is Dekton, which Jason and Rachel chose for its hard- wearing quality. The tiles on the fl oor are from Porcelanosa, and the couple chose a design that could be laid both inside and out, making the transition through the sliding doors onto the terrace seamless. Fortunately, Jason and Rachel enjoy entertaining and, with one of their two children


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living nearby, there’s always a family gathering to cater for. “We’ve got the space, so we use it,” says achel. Although I thought we’d never fi ll all the cabinets, it’s big, but it’s not cavernous.” The kitchen and the glazing make the rear of the house very contemporary, both in design and in lifestyle, and Jason in particular enjoys the contrast with the original parts of the house. “I love that the front doesn’t ‘give away’ the back,” he says. “It’s very clever how the garden is now part of the house. We couldn’t see it before, but now it’s all part of the home.” Architect Tom Williams agrees. “I think the most successful element of the project is the relationship between the new extension and the established gardens. The introduction of fl oor-to-ceiling glaing at both ground and fi rst fl oor ensures the different aspects of the grounds can be seen intermittently as you navigate through the property, adding interest and delight.” Apart from a two month delay with the new aluminium-framed glazing, the build went very smoothly, and Jason and Rachel are thrilled with the results. “Our architects – Tom and James at ID Architecture – understood what we were looking for and delivered a house that gives us the lifestyle that we want.” This, of course, is the main advantage of a self-build or signifi cant extension project. Rather than live with compromised spaces, a design can deliver. “A house that is specially made for us. It just suits us. Even silly things like a built-in dog bed and dog shower in the utility room for Mickey, our Portuguese water dog,” says Rachel. “We often just sit in the kitchen with a glass of wine and look at the garden.”


“It is a lovely space to live in,” adds Jason. And who could ask for more than that?


TILES Porcelanosa Porcelanosa.com


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