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Case Study: Extensions & remodelling for a family in Bradley Stoke

9th December 2019

At Western Building Consultants we love nothing more than helping families redesign their homes to make them perfect for their use. Today we are going to look at a project for the Owen family we worked with in Bradley Stoke, Bristol.

The Owens have two young children and the typical two bedroom Bradley Stoke estate home, they were running short on space with a large master suite and small box room and wanted a more inspiring environment. After considering moving and weighing up the cost and hassle factor of getting what they wanted they appointed Western Building Consultants to review their options for extending their home.

One of their primary needs was additional generous sized bedrooms, whilst they had the opportunity to extend to the side, planning guidelines meant that it would not be allowed if parking spaces were reduced due to the increase in bedrooms. To overcome this we designed the first floor at the side to float over a car port, getting the desired spaces for planning approval and utilising the air space above. The children now have their own fantastic spaces that are a sufficient size to be used for play and exploration of their individuality.

Bradley Stoke Extension Architect Bristol

Bradley Stoke Extension Architect Bristol

Bifold Door Extension Bradley Stoke Bristol Architect

Bifold Door Extension Bradley Stoke Bristol Architect

We also created a rear wrap around with a large pitched roof extension, allowing us to take full advantage of the width of the plot and creating a stunning new kitchen with a large open plan layout to the ground floor and a utility/bathroom. The large open space is great for the children and encourages play.

A large set of bi-fold doors links the space to the garden and allows the family to enjoy the space in a more connected way and also ensures the children can be monitored whilst working in the kitchen at the island or hob space.

Bradley Stoke Extension to open plan Architect Bristol

Bradley Stoke Extension to open plan Architect Bristol

Large velux roof lights and vaulted high level ceilings were designed to give a more generous feeling of space and flood light into the centre of the house. The large roof lights ensure the core of the building benefits from good levels of natural light and natural ventilation with a stack effect being created to draw air through the building when open.

The utility has all of the noise producing appliances tucked away, which is an absolute must where the living space is completely open plan. It also provides a space for a W\C, such layouts are very space efficient and a super idea for potty training.

To get planning from South Gloucestershire the extension was designed with council guidelines in mind such as the need for subservience, this was achieved by being stepped back from the front elevation, with a lower ridge line and dormer feature to maximise head height in the front bedroom and match the details found on the main building.

The Owens also decided to package the works up separately taking control of each separate trade, with advice from WBC. Whilst more hassle and time consuming this type of approach if managed well can be very cost effective.

Overall the designs have produced an individual family home that gives the Owens the space standards and quality of living accommodation needed for their growing family, this was achieved in a cost effective way utilising the maximum potential of their plot and avoided moving home and the costs associated. With a shortage of suitable housing stock on the market it also meant the family could stay in Bradley Stoke, in the area they wanted and the children could have continuity of education.

One of the original design ideas was to incorporate sliding walls for flexibility and during a recent re-consultation this is something that might be added to the finished design to help manage their new puppy Chase!

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