New England-Inspired House Transformation
Walton on the Hill ~ Dorking
The complete remodelling and enlargement of a 1950s bungalow
This substantial residential project transformed an unremarkable 1950s bungalow into a distinctive two-storey family home with a New England-inspired character. Your Home Plans was responsible for the complete architectural project, from developing the initial design and preparing the planning application through to detailed Building Regulations drawings, structural coordination and ongoing assistance during construction.
The result is a carefully considered design that responds to the client’s strong vision while resolving the considerable planning and technical challenges involved in building above and around the existing bungalow.
The clients vision
The client came to the project with a clear idea of the character and accommodation he wanted to achieve. His ambition was to enlarge the bungalow by introducing a timber-framed first floor and create a substantial home influenced by the relaxed appearance of New England and Hamptons-style architecture.
Initial layout ideas and reference images provided a valuable starting point. The design was then developed collaboratively, working through the practical implications and refining the arrangement, proportions and external appearance.
The proposed house combines white weatherboarding, strong gabled roof forms, generous windows and a symmetrical entrance composition to give the enlarged property a coherent identity.
Developing the design together
This was a particularly collaborative project. The client remained closely involved throughout and was comfortable exploring and refining ideas as the design progressed.
Initial proposals followed his preferred layouts and architectural references closely. Different views and three-dimensional visualisations were used to help assess the scale, proportions and relationship between the various parts of the house.
This continuing dialogue allowed the architectural design to retain the client’s original vision while incorporating the construction, planning and technical requirements needed to make it achievable.
Negotiating the planning details
Although the existing bungalow was largely hidden from public views and had limited architectural distinction, the site’s relationship with a Listed outbuilding meant that the local authority’s conservation officer took a close interest in the proposed materials.
The officer initially sought traditional timber windows and a clay-tiled roof. However, a number of properties in the surrounding area already had slate roofs, providing a sound contextual argument for the grey roof finish proposed as part of the New England-inspired design.
The case for the grey roof was accepted, helping to preserve an important part of the client’s preferred appearance. Timber windows were retained as a planning requirement in place of the client’s preferred uPVC alternative.
This process required a balance between the architectural concept, the client’s preferences and the conservation considerations raised during the application.
Making the existing and new construction work together
Creating a new first floor over an existing bungalow presented several important technical challenges.
The existing ground-floor walls needed to be thermally upgraded, while the new upper floor required a highly insulated timber-frame construction. Particular care was needed where walls continued from the ground floor through to roof level, as the internal faces needed to remain flush despite the different construction depths.
Externally, the upgraded brick walls at ground-floor level also had to align with the new timber-framed walls and weatherboard cladding above. The junctions were developed carefully so that the finished elevations would appear consistent rather than revealing the differences between the original and new construction.
These details were resolved through the Building Regulations drawings and coordinated structural design, ensuring that the visual concept could be translated into a practical and buildable solution.
A substantial new family home
The redesigned ground floor provides generous living accommodation centred around a large kitchen, dining and family space. Further rooms include a separate lounge, study, playroom, utility room and guest bedroom.
At first-floor level, the design creates four principal bedrooms, including a substantial main bedroom suite with its own dressing room and en-suite. Additional en-suites, storage and a spacious landing make effective use of the new roof structure.
Externally, the raised eaves, coordinated gables, grey roof and white weatherboarding completely change the character and proportions of the original bungalow.
Supporting changes during construction
Some clients prefer every detail to be fixed before construction begins; others continue to develop ideas as the building takes shape. The client enjoys refining designs during the construction process. Your Home Plans remained available to consider proposed changes, assess their implications and update the technical information where appropriate.
This flexible relationship allowed further ideas to be incorporated while maintaining the integrity of the overall architectural and structural design.
CIAT Chartered Practice · Established 2007 · Chichester & Surrounding Areas
Really enjoyed working with June at my property. Time was taken to ensure my brief was met and the outcome was exactly how envisioned. I would highly recommend.
Returning client ~ Walton on the Hill
Planning a substantial transformation of your home?
Projects involving major remodelling or an additional storey require the architectural design, structure, insulation and appearance of the building to be considered together. Your Home Plans can help you explore the potential of an existing property and develop the proposal from the first design ideas through planning and detailed technical drawings.