Bringing Light and Modernity to an Open Plan Living Space

Our clients had lived in this 1950s detached house for several years. They had already completed some work, including a single-storey rear extension. The open-plan living area worked quite well. However, the bedrooms on the first floor needed improvement, and the layout no longer suited the family’s lifestyle.

Upstairs, the house had one double bedroom and one single room that shared a family bathroom. The master bedroom also had an en-suite, but the fitted wardrobes restricted the available space. As a result, the clients asked us to design a first-floor home extension above the existing rear extension.

The design created a larger master bedroom with a modern en-suite bathroom, along with an additional double bedroom for one of their children. At the same time, the existing single bedroom was converted into a home office. During the process, the planning authorities requested that we extend the pitched tiled roof over the new structure.

This adjustment offered an opportunity for a loft conversion. Therefore, we applied for permission to insert five dormer windows. The new loft space now provides a music and chill-out room, another small bedroom, and a bathroom with a shower. For now, this bathroom is used as storage, but it is fully prepared for future use.

By combining a first-floor extension with a loft conversion, we transformed the property into a brighter, more spacious, and modern family home. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can bring light, flexibility, and long-term value to a traditional house.