Gloucester Crescent

Number 2 Gloucester Crescent was purchased by our clients as a tired 1940s property in need of complete refurbishment and modernisation. The brief was simple in scope but detailed in the level execution desired. The clients wanted to extend the existing property to create an open plan kitchen, living and dining space, perfect for cooking and entertaining in. They also wanted this space to have a seamless relationship with the garden, which would serve as additional entertaining space benefitting from a southerly aspect. A simple contemporary aesthetic was desired to contrast with the traditional style and materiality of the main house.

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Having listened carefully to their brief and considered the various opportunities and constraints of the site, we prepared a number of options for presentation to the client, illustrating what could be achieved within different proposed extension floor areas and layout configurations. Different materiality options were also explored to demonstrate the wealth of options to achieve the contemporary appearance they favoured.

Ultimately, a simple flat roof rendered design was chosen, with large high quality aluminium doors to capture the southern light. Fully opening these doors would effectively blur the line between inside and out. We also created a complimentary landscaping scheme. Large areas of architectural planters with a clear material relationship to the main house were proposed to define seating and more informal spaces, framed by ornamental planting throughout.

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We managed the project through the planning stage, including application submission and liaison with the case officer and consultees.

We continued to support our client following planning approval by producing Building Regulations stage drawings, which with structural and building control input allowed the client to approach contractors to gain a fixed price quotation for the works. As part of the technical detail stage, different construction methodologies were carefully researched in order to achieve the most cost effective and thermally efficient solution.

Sustainability was a key consideration of the scheme for our clients; the financial benefits of this approach were clear as they intended to stay in the property for a number of years. To minimise any future heating bills, a super-efficient boiler was installed, and substantial amounts of insulation were added to the roof. The large sliding doors introduced to the southern elevation also served to maximise solar gains. However, in order to provide a level of control over this, bespoke designed timber shutters were proposed to be fitted to prevent overheating if required. The introduction of this soft natural material would then reinforce the relationship with the garden.

The completed scheme has provided our clients with their dream family home; providing ample space to spend time together in a property that features the best of both a traditional family home and modern architecture. The high EPC rating means running costs are significantly reduced, and the clients are looking to add solar panels in the future to improve this further.

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