A NEW FLOW

Lizi Sanchez’s end-of-terrace 1970s home has always been practical and functional, but the wide passage at the side of the property was ripe for extending

‘We live on a quiet cul-de-sac next to a school, so we’re in a good location – just two minutes’ walk from the station – but we wanted extra space and it was important to have lots of bright light,’ says Lizi. ‘I also wanted to feel like the garden was integrated into the house, so that if you were in the living room you could still see the sky and the plants. I really wanted the house to feel fresh, practical and joyful with a good flow.

‘Flowerkittle Architects helped us design a rear and side extension. We went out by approximately two metres in the garden and took advantage of the two-metre-wide side passage. The extension has allowed us to gain extra space for a dining room facing the garden, and on the side we’ve gained a high ceiling with a new bathroom and a staircase that takes you to a mezzanine guest/ TV room. The space is separate from the rest of the first floor of the house to make it feel self-contained.

‘We kept part of the external side wall to have a division between the new space and the living room and although it isn't too wide, the high ceiling gives a sense of spaciousness. The floor is concrete with underfloor heating and runs from the back to the side extension and the bathroom, creating a lovely flow through the space. We originally had a galley kitchen – a layout we decided to keep – but we’ve been able to add a small pantry at the end, which helps us keep the kitchen walls free of cabinets.

‘I'm an artist, so having this light, bright space is ideal when I work from home, and also for my son's crafts and school projects.

It’s perfect for us.’

COSTS & CONTACTS

Project cost £130,000

Architect Flowerkittle Architects, 01252 597147, flowerkittle.com

ON SIDE

If your home has a side return, you could extend out to increase your living space without going into your rear garden. Expect to pay up to £2,400 per square metre for a high quality finish, or around £1,900 for a basic- to goodquality finish. A single-storey side addition will fall under permitted development rights if the width is no more than half of the original house and the height no more than four metres. For extensions within two metres of a boundary, the eaves height mustn't be more than three metres.

IMPROVED COMFORT

If you’re already undertaking a sizable renovation, consider upgrading the property’s thermal efficiency at the same time. It’ll pay off when it comes to your comfort levels in the summer and winter months and could help you save on your energy bills. Insulating the loft, the walls, and floors and closing off any gaps around windows will go a long way to improving the energy rating of your home.