projects » willows house lower earley wokingham

WILLOWS HOUSE

Substantial rear extension and transformation of 1980's house, Lower earley, wokingham

This family home based in Lower Earley needed a design to amalgamate a warren of rooms, in addition to increasing the light and space throughout the property in a contemporary way.

The existing building was a 1980's, four bedroom house with separate living rooms, kitchen, utility, wc and play room on the ground floor.

On entering the property, a central hallway led to each room on the ground floor. This hallway was restrictive in size and lacked any windows, resulting in a dark and uninviting space, particularly when the doors to the adjoining rooms were closed. Despite the garden having a south facing aspect, due to the layout of the rooms, size of windows and a light limiting pergola at the rear of the property, the individual rooms were also in shadow or limited in light.

Our
Approach

Our design concept introduced a full-width extension to the rear of the property. Removing the internal walls between the existing kitchen, utility and living room and opening these into the new extended area created a spacious open plan kitchen, dining and family living space.

Large aspect sliding doors and windows to the rear allow plenty of light to flood into this half of the house and simultaneously form a framed view of the garden.

With the addition of two large, contemporary flush-glazed rooflights the resulting space feels light, airy and open.

The shape of the large kitchen and family room allows for a slightly snugger feel to a lounge seating area, slightly away from the bustle of the kitchen but still close enough for guests to feel part of the same space.

A feature window seat also adds to the luxurious feel of the home. The timber boards wrapping round the outside of the window not only create slatted shade for the window seat but also provide an external seat which can also be enjoyed in the warmer weather.

The original dark hallway has been extended and with the use of fully glazed double doors, now has light flowing into it from the open plan space.

While works on site were delayed slightly due to the pandemic, this project demonstrates that construction works could, and did, continue despite the unprecedented situation.

Now complete, this project has accomplished a large, contemporary, welcoming family home, filled with light and coherent spaces.

Project
Gallery

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

From the front door the hallway provides a visual link to the garden, through the glass doors and open plan kitchen beyond. Once in the open plan space the eye-catching timber window surround and window seat, along with the full height, large aspect sliding doors, create a welcoming and uplifting space for the family to use and entertain in.