Home, with a little extra
A new company is creating house extensions for us all that embrace the future like never before, says DEBORAH STONE
THE 10-YEAR Challenge has taken social media by storm, with celebrities posting pictures on Facebook and Instagram showing how much – or little – they have aged over the past decade. For many, surprisingly little has changed which is one of the benefits of good bone structure – something that’s also true of house extensions.
High property prices have encouraged homeowners to improve rather than move for the past 10 years. We still want more living space, with kitchen transformations and loft extensions topping the list, but dig a little further and, just like those celebrity photographs, there are subtle differences compared with 10 years ago.
Denis Hayes, a senior architectural technologist at online architects Resi.co.uk, says: “People still want the same things that they have for years but there are some new trends and techniques.
“Nowadays, everyone is obsessed with getting as much light as possible and fully glazed walls or full-height picture windows are increasingly popular in loft extensions.
“You can insert privacy glass which blocks the view externally, so you have the benefits of a window but with the privacy of a wall. Prefab modular systems can be used for constructing lofts in some cases.”
Heat efficiency and sustainability are the buzz words for any new-build development and the same is true for extensions. “The standards have changed for things like insulation and glazing in terms of building regulations, even over the past 10 years,” says Denis. “Also, there is a new type of formwork available now which is what you pour concrete into for construction. It used to be made of timber but now you can get polystyrene pre-formed blocks which snap together and which you can pour the cement into.”
Resi.co.uk was set up by friends Jules Coleman and Alex Depledge in 2016 after Alex embarked on what she thought would be a straightforward kitchen extension but soon realised was a much bigger project.
The women had previously launched and sold Hassle.com, an online cleaning agency, and Alex’s building problems persuaded them there was a gap in the market for an affordable online architectural practice that could offer packages at different levels – from advice on development possibilities through to detailed drawings for securing building control approval.
Now they have 20 people working in the design team, five architects and specialists to support them such as an in-house planning officer. Packages range from £250 to £900-plus.
Coding expert Jules says the website is aimed at ordinary people like themselves who want straightforward help with everyday projects: “Converting a loft to an extra bedroom really does make sense for many people in an era when stamp duty is so problematic,” she says. Jules also points out that there are currently generous Permitted Development rights for pre-war homes, although these may change on May 30.
Explaining the Permitted Development procedure, she says: “You need to get plans drawn up but it isn’t up to the planning officer to decide anything. If you stay within the guide lines you should get planning permission.”
Updating Victorian, Edwardian and even 1930s homes can make them better adapted to modern living but it’s also the opportunity to future-proof them by improving insulation or introducing modern designs.
Tips on increasing light inside the home includes internal glazing, such as Crittall-style steel-framed glass doors, walls or room dividers, says Denis, who adds: “Materials have definitely changed from 10 years ago.
“There are a plethora of eco-friendly options. For insulation you can use Earthwool [recycled materials], sheep’s wool or hemp.
It’s also easier to source reclaimed materials; and recycled plastics are increasingly popular as a choice for worktops.”
Modern trends include an industrial look such as exposed concrete or brickwork walls and plywood kitchen units which have the added bonus of being more sustainable, says Denis.
“This look is also great for future-proofing your house,” he adds, “because leaving things more open means you can update your technology more easily.”