A BRAND NEW SPACE
The green spaces of Wimbledon proved a big draw when Rachel and Tom Smith needed more space to expand their family. ‘We were renting in nearby Earlsfield but found a Victorian terrace opposite a park on a nice, friendly street,’ says Rachel. ‘Although it had a narrow, dark kitchen, which led to an old conservatory, there was potential to extend.’
THE BRIEF
With busy jobs, the couple wanted a turnkey service so hired Plus Rooms after reading positive customer reviews. Director James Bernard drafted plans to demolish the conservatory and extend into the side and rear to create a bright, open-plan kitchen/dining space. ‘We initially wanted a wraparound extension as the extra width would’ve made a big difference,’ says Rachel. ‘However the first plans were rejected.’
DESIGN SOLUTIONS
Due to the particularly narrow side return, the planners wanted this section stepped in rather than running the full 8m depth of the rear extension. ‘This avoided a tunnelling effect to the neighbour’s adjoining side return,’ explains James. ‘Plus it helps zone the space.’
Glazing was a key component of the design. ‘As you walk in, you see a floor-to-ceiling window that’s angled to follow the roof line,’ says James. ‘We also added three skylights to focus more light into the original part of the house.’
Braverman Kitchens helped the couple design a two-tone grey and white L-shaped kitchen. ‘We wanted lots of storage so they designed pull-out corner cupboards and larders either side of the fridge,’ says Rachel.
MATERIALS USED
Aluminium windows and doors proved a more affordable alternative to steel. The flooring was the trickiest thing to decide on. ‘We considered traditional wood, but eventually opted for light porcelain tiles to provide a nice neutral backdrop,’ says Rachel.
FINISHING TOUCHES
While Tom’s style is modern and Rachel prefers a traditional farmhouse look, both agreed the space would suit a more minimalist finish. ‘As it’s quite neutral, we could add personality by hanging our favourite artwork,’ says Rachel.
LESSONS LEARNT
Thanks to preliminary soil tests and drainage surveys, there were no unexpected problems during the six-week build. However, the findings of a tree survey meant spending more on deeper foundations. ‘If we did it again we would’ve done a bit more research so it felt less stressful,’ says Rachel. ‘But the build was very quick and we managed well living on site.’
The house now works much better with a six-year-old son and one-year-old daughter. ‘Before the downstairs always felt small compared to the upstairs,’ says Rachel. ‘So it’s naturally balanced things out.’
Positioning the kitchen units in the darker rightangled section leaves a thoroughfare as you walk into the room, as well as ample room for the dining area in the sunniest spot by the patio doors.
Kitchen units, £13,800; Quartz Nile Carrara worktops, £850sq m; Blanco Silgranit undermount
sink, £456; Quooker PRO3 flex chrome tap with scale control and cold water filter, £1,222; Siemens iq700 compact oven with microwave multifunction, £1,002; Siemens Activeclean stainless steel iq700 single oven, £690; Siemens Flex iq700 black glass induction hob,
£786; Siemens box chimney hood, £324; Siemens USA style SBS fridge freezer, £1,440, all Braverman Kitchens. Ercol Lugo extending dining table, £865, Barker and Stonehouse. Aluminium doors and windows, £7,250; three rectangular frameless skylights, £4,500, all Integral Doors and Windows. Top Stone flooring in White, £34.98sq m, Tile Giant. Deluxe Sorrento leather bar stools, £179.99 each, Simply Bar Stools