Garage conversion, rear extension and a new attached garage
Hayling Island
A Complete Bungalow Transformation in Hayling Island
This Hayling Island bungalow was comprehensively redesigned to create a brighter, more spacious home with a stronger connection to the garden and a more welcoming entrance.
What began as a proposal to replace an ageing conservatory developed into a much more considered reorganisation of the property. The completed design includes a vaulted open-plan living extension, dramatic glazed gables, conversion of the original garage and construction of a new attached garage.
CIAT Chartered Practice · Established 2007 · Chichester & Surround Areas
The original brief
The clients wanted to modernise it while creating a home better suited to the way they intended to live.
Their initial priorities included replacing the rear conservatory with a permanent extension, creating an open-plan living area and moving the main entrance to the side of the property. They also wanted an additional shower room, improved storage and a more contemporary external appearance.
Although the existing three bedrooms were to remain, I felt it was worth looking beyond the original arrangement. Adding another storey was unlikely to represent good value, while extending towards the front could have appeared out of place within the street. The available space alongside the bungalow offered a better opportunity to improve the layout while retaining everything at ground-floor level.
Looking at the bungalow as a whole
Rather than treating the conservatory, garage and entrance as separate alterations, the design considered how all three areas could work together.
The original attached garage occupied valuable space within the main footprint of the bungalow. Converting it allowed this area to provide a generous new entrance hall, utility space and shower facilities.
A new garage was then added alongside the property, retaining secure parking and storage without compromising the improved internal arrangement. This approach created a far more useful home than could have been achieved by replacing the conservatory alone.
A new entrance and improved first impression
The principal entrance was relocated and incorporated into a new gabled frontage. The glazed section above the entrance brings natural light into the vaulted hallway, while the covered porch provides shelter and gives the doorway a much clearer presence.
Rendered walls, dark window frames and carefully selected detailing give the bungalow a clean, contemporary appearance. The new attached garage was designed as a quieter flat-roofed element so that it sits comfortably beside the stronger gabled entrance.
Protecting natural light within the house
The clients were understandably concerned that extending at first-floor level could make the existing landing feel enclosed and reduce its natural light. The roof design and internal arrangement were considered carefully, and sun tunnels were to be incorporated to bring daylight down into the landing, later changed to Velux windows. This allowed the additional accommodation to be created without leaving the centre of the first floor feeling unnecessarily dark.
Both new bedrooms were generously proportioned, allowing each to have its own en-suite while retaining comfortable bedroom space.
A light-filled open-plan living space
At the rear, the existing conservatory was removed and replaced with a substantial permanent extension.
The new space brings the kitchen, dining and living areas together beneath a vaulted ceiling. Wide glazed doors open directly onto the terrace and garden, while large triangular windows within the gable bring daylight high into the room and emphasise the height of the roof.
The result is a generous open-plan space that feels considerably larger and brighter than the accommodation it replaced, with separate areas for cooking, dining and relaxing remaining clearly defined.
Making the structure part of the design
Creating the vaulted ceiling and glazed gables required more than simply adding a new roof to the conservatory footprint. The existing hipped roof was altered and new structural support introduced to form the gabled roof and open interior.
The position of beams, posts, rafters and window supports was coordinated with the architectural drawings so that the structural requirements worked with the intended appearance of the completed room.
This allowed the extension to achieve its open character while remaining practical to construct.
The completed home
The completed project demonstrates how a relatively conventional bungalow can be transformed without adding another storey.
By making better use of the existing garage, adding a replacement garage in a more appropriate position and creating a dramatic garden-facing living space, the design improved the appearance, circulation and everyday usefulness of the whole property.
It is also an example of how the best solution can emerge by testing ideas beyond the initial brief and considering the potential of the property.
Images provided by client
June @ yourhomeplans has been brilliant and really supportive and patient throughout our project to develop our house into a family home. June has developed our initial ideas into a great design, with a fantastic eye for creating space while balancing functionality. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and she is consciences throughout the process to ensure that the design does not only look good, but can be delivered by the builder, asking the right questions from the start. Through her experience June has also guided us through a difficult planning process, to get the scheme we dreamed of.
Returning client ~ Hayling Island
Considering changes to your bungalow?
Whether you are thinking about converting a garage, replacing a conservatory or reorganising an outdated layout, an initial conversation can help identify the opportunities that may not be immediately apparent.