WILLOWS HOUSE
Substantial rear extension and transformation of 1980's house, Lower earley, wokingham
This Lower Earley family home required a redesign to unify a warren of rooms and increase light and space throughout the property in a contemporary manner.
Originally, the 1980s four-bedroom house featured separate living rooms, kitchen, utility room, WC, and playroom on the ground floor. A central hallway, which lacked windows, led to each room, creating a dark and uninviting space, particularly when the adjoining room doors were closed. Despite the garden’s south-facing aspect, the layout, small windows, and a light-limiting pergola left the rooms shadowed and dim.
Our
Approach
Our design introduced a full-width extension at the rear of the property. By removing the internal walls between the existing kitchen, utility room, and living room, and opening these into the new extended area, we created a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and family living space.
Large aspect sliding doors and windows at the rear allow ample light to flood into this part of the house, forming a framed view of the garden. Two large, contemporary flush-glazed roof lights further enhance the airy and open feel of the space.
The layout of the large kitchen and family room includes a snug lounge seating area, slightly separated from the kitchen's bustle but close enough for guests to feel connected. A feature window seat adds to the luxurious ambiance, with timber boards wrapping around the window to create slatted shade and an external seat for warmer weather enjoyment.
The original dark hallway has been extended and, with the use of fully glazed double doors, now benefits from light flowing in from the open-plan space.
Project Highlights
- Full-width rear extension
- Removal of internal walls to create open-plan kitchen, dining, and family living space
- Large aspect sliding doors and windows for abundant natural light
- Contemporary flush-glazed roof lights for an airy, open atmosphere
- Snug lounge seating area within the open-plan space
- Feature window seat with timber board slatted shade and external seating
- Extended, light-filled hallway with fully glazed double doors
Despite delays due to the pandemic, this project demonstrates that construction can progress under unprecedented circumstances. The completed project showcases a large, contemporary, and welcoming family home filled with light and coherent spaces. From the front door, the hallway provides a visual link to the garden through the glass doors and open-plan kitchen beyond. Inside the open-plan space, the eye-catching timber window surround, window seat, and full-height sliding doors create a welcoming and uplifting area for the family to use and entertain.
Project Specifications
- Proposed new build area (GIFA): 35 sqm
- Proposed refurbishment area (GIFA): 50 sqm
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TAIT Architects
5 Kelburne Close
Winnersh
Wokingham
RG41 5JG
