Two Storey Chalet Bungalow Extension
West Wittering
Creating a larger family home while working carefully with the existing roof
This West Wittering chalet bungalow was transformed through a two-storey rear extension and internal remodelling. The project replaced an existing conservatory with a extension, creating a generous open-plan kitchen and dining space at ground-floor level and two additional en-suite bedrooms above.
The design needed to provide substantially more accommodation while ensuring the new extension felt properly connected to the existing house, both internally and externally.
CIAT Chartered Practice · Established 2007 · Chichester & Surrounding Areas
The clients brief
The clients wanted to replace their conservatory with a well-insulated, traditionally constructed extension that could be continued to first-floor level.
Their priorities were to:
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Create a spacious open-plan kitchen and dining room.
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Improve the connection between the existing kitchen and dining areas.
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Add two generously sized bedrooms at first-floor level.
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Provide an en-suite for each new bedroom.
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Retain natural light within the existing landing.
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Find a roof design that complemented the chalet bungalow.
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Understand how the new first floor and roof would be supported by the existing building.
Developing the ground floor
The replacement extension allowed the existing kitchen and dining areas to be brought together to create a much larger shared family space. Enlarging the door way between the original kitchen and dining room helped the enlarged area read as one room rather than an existing house with a separate extension added to it.
The additional space created an opportunity to introduce more glazing with low window sills, providing tall windows to bring daylight into the room and strengthen its connection with the garden.
Finding the right roof design
The appearance of the new roof was one of the most important part of the project. Several roof options were explored so that the clients could understand how each would affect the appearance of the house, the internal spaces and the relationship with the existing chalet-bungalow roof.
The selected option followed the character and pitches of the main roof more closely. This helped the two-storey extension feel like a considered development of the original house rather than a visually separate addition.
The existing rear dormer, which had previously provided headroom above the landing, was removed to make way for the new extension design, without the lose of headroom.
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.
Resolving the structure
Another important consideration was how the new first floor and roof would be supported where they connected with the existing house. The structural approach was discussed with the clients so they could understand how steelwork would transfer the new loads and support the altered building.
The structural information was then coordinated with the architectural drawings to ensure that the proposed layout, roof form and construction could work together.
This early coordination helped turn what initially appeared to be a complicated junction into a clear and buildable solution.
The finished result
The completed extension substantially increased the usable accommodation within the chalet bungalow. At ground-floor level, the former conservatory was replaced with a permanent, light-filled kitchen and dining space that connects more naturally with both the existing house and garden.
Above, two additional bedrooms, each with its own en-suite, provided valuable first-floor accommodation. The carefully selected roof form allowed the extension to sit comfortably with the original bungalow, while the roof windows retained natural light within the existing landing.
The project demonstrates how considering appearance, internal layout, daylight and structure together can create a much more successful extension.
Image 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.
Client Feedback ~ Hayling Island
Considering a two-storey extension?
A two-storey extension can provide valuable additional accommodation, but its relationship with the existing roof, first-floor layout and structure needs to be understood from the outset.
Your Home Plans provides design, planning and technical drawing services for home extensions in Chichester and the surrounding towns and villages.