Renovation of a Victorian House with a modern twist..
Project Year: 2018
Country: United Kingdom
Postcode: West Moseley, South West London
Jake and Elena purchased the Victorian semi-detached property in West Molesey, London with the aim of extending and renovating the house. The house is in the style of a traditional Victorian cottage, with a central staircase leading off a front door to the side. Either side of the staircase are two living rooms, with two bedrooms to the first floor. The existing kitchen and family bathroom were located to the ground floor (single storey rear annex).
The proposed project involved extending to the rear in the form of a partial single storey and partial two storey rear extension and loft conversion. Due to the proximity of the two storey element of the extension, and the neighbouring property, the extension part of the scheme fell under a homeowner full planning application. The loft conversion was carried out under a certificate of lawfulness through the property’s permitted development rights. Due to the form of the existing roof, a hip-to-gable conversion was required with a full width rear dormer.
Selection of views
Key Design Features
During the design process the main discussion was around how to create a modern design twist that contrasted with the original features and style of the Victorian property. The approach was to use modern materials; aluminum windows and dark grey metal cladding. The dark grey contrasted beautifully with the yellow london stock brickwork and white sash windows.
The ground floor extension benefits from large full height windows, one set of sliding doors to the rear, and another set of bi folding doors to the side. A large full width panoramic window stretches the entire width of the rear dormer. Not only does this allow the master bedroom to benefit from the views but also the space is flooded with natural light.
To the ground floor you transition between three key spaces. The kitchen leads into the dining space and finally through to a family snug space with vaulted ceiling. The family snug space has dual aspect glazing with the full height window mirroring the full height window in the kitchen space.
The dining space opens out towards a small courtyard area through bi folding doors. The family snug area opens out onto the rear garden and a patio area through a set of large sliding doors. A wood burner and full width bookcase add to the cosy feel of the space.
The kitchen is a simple line and island.. The units are a stunning rich blue in a shaker style. Running through the space are large porcelain slate floor tiles. There is an island housing a hob and preparation area with storage underneath.
To the first floor, an extra bedroom was added to the rear, this was designed to match that of the existing building, a white sash window adding consistency.
To the loft, a master bedroom with ensuite was created, rooflights to the top of the staircase draw light down. The bedroom is modern and simple in style, three large windows run horizontally across the side wall providing a full view over the garden and ensure the room is filled with natural daylight. The external dormer windows compliment the new rear extension, providing a mixture of modern aluminium against the older London Stock brickwork. This project provides a good example of how modern and older can be cleverly amalgamated.
Click Through Gallery
Before and After 3D Cut-through Plans
After: 3D Floorplans (Ground, First and Loft)
Before: 3D Floorplans (Ground, First and Loft)
Route to Planning
Model Projects decided to utilise the property’s Permitted Development Rights for the loft conversion and a full planning application required for the extensions.
As such a split application was required:
Permission for the partial single and partial two storey extension was gained through a homeowner full planning application.
Permission for the loft conversion was gained under Class B - the enlargement of a dwellinghouse consisting of an addition or alteration to its roof.
The property was increased in size by 43m2, with the original property being 68m2 and increased to 111m2, with a volume increase from 162m3 to 223m3.