WILLOWS HOUSE
Substantial rear extension and transformation of 1980's house in Wokingham
This Lower Earley family home needed a redesign to unify a maze of rooms and enhance light and space in a contemporary style. Originally a 1980s four-bedroom house, it featured separate living rooms, kitchen, utility room, WC, and playroom on the ground floor. A central hallway without windows created a dark, uninviting space, especially when doors to adjoining rooms were closed. Despite the south-facing garden, the layout, small windows, and a light-blocking pergola left the rooms shadowed and dim.
OUR
APPROACH
Our design introduced a full-width rear extension, transforming the space by removing internal walls between the kitchen, utility room, and living room. This opened up the area into a spacious, open-plan kitchen, dining, and family living space.
Large sliding doors and windows at the rear flood the room with light, framing views of the garden, while two contemporary flush-glazed roof lights enhance the airy atmosphere. The layout includes a snug lounge area, separated slightly from the kitchen to provide a comfortable and connected space for guests.
A unique window seat, formed using timber slats, offers shade and an external seat for warmer days and adds to the luxurious feel. The original dark hallway was extended and, with fully glazed double doors, now benefits from light flowing in from the open-plan space.
Project Highlights:
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Full-width rear extension
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Removal of internal walls to create open-plan kitchen, dining, and family living space
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Large sliding doors and windows for abundant natural light
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Contemporary flush-glazed roof lights for an airy, open atmosphere
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Snug lounge seating area within the open-plan space
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Feature window seat with timber slatted shade and external seating
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Extended, light-filled hallway with fully glazed double doors
PROJECT
GALLERY
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
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.
AREAS
Proposed new build area (GIFA) : 35 sqm
Proposed refurbishment area (GIFA) : 50 sqm