This project involved the staged renovation and conversion of a 1930s bungalow in Stonehouse. The bungalow was originally constructed from cinder blocks making alteration and conversion work difficult and potentially dangerous with brittle blockwork.
The loft was converted to add a master bedroom with new timber floor joists integrated with the ceiling joists to maximise headroom in the floors above and below. Stairs were added that cleverly integrated with the downstairs layout to reduce the impact on the arrangement and use of the rooms.
The kitchen and dining room were opened up into a new space and opened out to the garden with large doors transforming the use of the downstairs of the home. Multiple structural options were explored and discussions held with the builder to find the optimum solution in terms of cost, impact and safety.
Externally a study was undertaken of the legal boundaries and the effect of a new building development to the south that led to the garden and external space increasing for the property. This provided a necessary challenge to the Developer of the new buildings, which increased the land ownership and value of the property.
“I have to admit I had been reluctant to take the plunge and alter the layout of our home, however Andy talked us through our options. He shared ideas about creating an open plan kitchen dinner, with a bi-fold door opening out on to our garden, rather than a small galley kitchen and separate dining room. Andy was able to speak directly with not only our builder but the Building Inspector during the works, clarifying calculations due to an issue that our old house gave us. We would highly recommend Andy’s work and can’t thank him enough for adapting his way of working, his professionalism and his unlimited patience, as this project took place during the pandemic.”
— Zoe and Tony Breen