If you’re looking to revamp your home and add more living space, it’s important to choose the right architect for the job. Shuahra Rahman of Pride Road Sutton and Kingston Architects is dedicated to helping homeowners transform their homes into their dream spaces.
Recently, Shuahra worked on a project in Wallington, Surrey, where a 3 bedroom semi-detached 1930s property with a side garage required renovation. The clients, a family of 4, moved into the property in 2016 but found that the current layout did not meet the needs of their growing family. They desired more ground floor space, larger bedrooms upstairs, more natural light, and an open-plan living-dining area with a utility room and a downstairs toilet. Additionally, they wanted a bedroom and ensuite on the ground floor for their elderly parents who would occasionally visit.
In a full-day workshop, Shuahra explored three different options for a single-storey rear extension and two-storey side extension, as well as various internal changes. She also considered upgrades such as replacing windows to the front and installing solar panels on the front and rear roof slopes to modernise and improve the property.
Option one involved keeping the front room as is and demolishing the existing side extension and garage. They were replaced with a new side extension that had an office accessible from the hallway. The house was extended 4m to the rear to create an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area with a utility room off to the side, which was accessible from the side of the house. The new bedroom was located at the back of the house facing the garden, with an ensuite bathroom added.
Option 2 considered placing the parents’ bedroom at the front of the house with an en suite. The access into the open space was changed from the front of the hallway, enabling a view into the garden as you immediately enter the space. The kitchen was located at the back of the house and included a large island with a utility area. The design also explored the use of a central column to divide the open space, which would reduce structural costs and add a design feature. Large sliding doors and rooflights were added to the back of the house to maximise natural light.
Option 3 involved extending the kitchen by an additional metre (6m total), while retaining the existing access to the open space and placing a snug area towards the back of the house. The bedroom was situated at the back of the house with an ensuite bathroom, and large rooflights were incorporated to provide ample natural light. The office was located at the front of the house.
On the first floor, two options were explored that involved extending to the side. Option 1 included a larger bedroom and an additional bedroom to the back of the house, both with ensuites, and a larger family bathroom. An open office-area on the large landing was also considered. Option 2 included a family bathroom to the side of the house, a slightly larger bedroom without an ensuite, and an additional bedroom with an ensuite. Ensuite for the master bedroom was also explored. Both options incorporated a bay window to the rear and clever ways of bringing in light into the first floor by way of sun-pipes and roof lights.
The preferred choice of the clients was option 1, as it fulfilled their requirements the most, although they appreciated certain features of options 2 and 3. They found the bedroom at the back of the house to be practical, and having a utility room with access to the garden was a great addition. They were also fond of the idea of entering the open space from the front of the hallway, and the updated layout suited their needs. The office remained at the front of the house. Their preference for upstairs was option 1, which offered two extra bedrooms, each with an ensuite.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to revamp your home, consider Shuahra Rahman from Pride Road Sutton and Kingston Architects. With a focus on accessibility, functionality, and style, Shuahra will work with you to design the home of your dreams.
"Designing a home should be an exciting and collaborative experience for homeowners. I am dedicated to working with my clients to create spaces that are not only functional but also beautiful. The Wallington, Surrey project was a fantastic opportunity to do just that, and I am thrilled with the outcome." Shuahra Rahman
Pride Road
