TOUCH OF SUNSHINE

Daniel Birch worked with architects to transform a poorly-linked downstairs layout into an openplan space – with a colourful twist

‘The kitchen had been partially knocked through when we bought the house, but the ground floor was quite dark, particularly the middle room, which we use as a playroom. Opening the back of the house up to the side would give us more space in the kitchen and link the middle room better with the rest of the house.

‘We used two architects for the project. The first, Richard from Fit Architects, helped develop the design up to the planning stage. DHVA developed the building control drawings. Extending into the side return was the main project: we wanted a family space we could use for cooking, dining and hanging out together, a better link to the garden, and more light. We also redid the garden patio and laid new wood flooring throughout the ground floor.

‘The beam would have been expensive and difficult to raise up, so we talked with Richard about having it as a feature in its own right. I’m a structural engineer, so I designed it and commissioned a local fabricator to develop it. We chose a bright yellow to make it pop. It helps break up the space and separate the dining area and kitchen. We opted for an almost completely glazed addition. The kitchen is fairly dark and north east-facing, so we could get away with lots of glass without the risk of overheating the space.

‘We’re in here all the time. Having a link through to the dining room creates space that’s separate enough for the kids to be in there on their own while we can still keep an eye on them. It’s a big improvement.’

COSTS & CONTACTS

Project cost: Around £110,000

Architects: Fit Architects,

07939 544030, fitarchitects.co.uk; Dittrich Hudson Vasetti Architects, 0117 914 8317, dhva.co.uk

Glazing: Roofkits, 01934 876999, roofkitsltd.simdif.com

Doors: Design Bifolds, 01845 577992, designbifolds.co.uk

Kitchen: Arlberry, 01275 371680, arlberry.com