SOCOTEC Building Control

This lovely home and extensive garden space is a prime location for a family to expand. A new extension to house a pool and leisure space was on the clients wish list! Method Studio was up for the challenge of creating an elegant architectural solution to fit with this modern family. 

# Brief

The brief for this project was to take full advantage of the land to the side of the house which connects to a beautiful sloping garden leading down to a pond. We wanted the space to be adaptable and allow for separate access for private use in the future if required. The use of these spaces would include a gym, games room, bar space, swimming pool and lounge area. As well as the enjoyment of designing something that is very leisurely we also need to think about WC, showers and plant room. 

# Concept
![3D external render of pool house and garden in Essex](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4G19vXtIiF2gYVsg3Z33FF/015f566b8c09d7bb99799557f6d8f588/10_External_10.jpg)

The relationship between the levels on site and the materials with the rest of the property is essential. The long slender form of the leisure extension sits within the sloping site. The pool space allows a fluid connection with the pond area without invading its privacy or ruining the beautiful, natural appearance. From the lawn side the materials of the build needed to feel clean and harmonious with its surroundings, therefore we selected a soft render finish which looks modern and sleek while softly sitting on site.
![01 stapley GF ext](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/2oRmzeRTgcz0a5DxMPXwPt/be186fa3fa8c67f325fb29d8086ac63f/01_stapley_GF_ext.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

![02 stapley ff ext](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/6J5aIElpDcstoZrslp6avc/5f9ca1c298f7cfe0b2620119084056f5/02_stapley_ff_ext.jpg)First Floor Plan

![03 Stapley pool plan](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/6N7JMVpX0FzYUUQ0PvC3ug/570d0e632945a535c9a6edbf439c1560/03_Stapley_pool_plan.jpg) Pool Plan

# Challenges

The exciting challenge of this project was to design something that is both sympathetic to the surroundings while also being contemporary in design. While showing off a simplistic modern design there is also the extensive back of house electrical, plumbing and plant work we needed to intelligently locate. For these mechanical and electrical requirements we tucked them away at the back of the building so they do not inhibit the lovely views down to the pond and across the gardens. Juggling the plant space with the requirement of gym, bar space, pool, showers, lounge and views, was a challenge to fit together! Privacy as well as connection to the gardens was also an important factor we needed to weave into the design.

External render for house extension and pool house in Essex

External render for pool house in Essex

Internal render for house extension and pool house in Essex

3D internal render of pool house and garden for house extension in Essex

01 stapley GF ext

02 stapley ff ext

03 Stapley pool plan

South Essex

A prominent corner plot is the location of this beautiful family home. A more traditional house required a substantial extension for more bedrooms and living space. Important elements for our client were natural light for their art collection, a gorgeous kitchen and entertaining space and a knock out master bedroom suite. We delivered this and more!

# Brief
Our client needed additional bedroom space for a more generous master bedroom with great connection to the mature garden to the rear. It was also key to provide a more open fluid layout with a living kitchen space for everyday use. It was important to find two work from home offices with enjoyable views to the rear. Sustainability within the design was a concern for our client and the simplest way to achieve this was to retain as much of the existing as possible without needlessly demolishing parts of the original property.

![Regnier Wilson Sketches](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/5q9X7QUM6nVMSjnD9sJuKP/885b8fd29c1e65f162541aaa1edc9685/MRW_CONCEPT.jpg)

# Concept
With some sensible interventions we were able to create all of the above with a contrasting modern extension. A series of simple forms tucked around the existing property were broken with a clear delineating glass link. The front elevation allows for a two storey side extension that follows the traditional domestic scale gable form, whilst at the rear a single storey extension captures sufficient space for the new ground floor additions. The material palette was chosen to provide a contrast where the new stood apart from the old with dark timber cladding.

![Ground Floor Plan Regnier-Wilson](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4JTSnhbAsXCuCdYfwSR5wj/9fda99b739410e3dc9477911e4e6ebbc/J000270_GF.jpg) Ground Floor Plan
![First Floor Plan Regnier-Wilson](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/6Ljcp11Pa4uQhbSKwXQJTm/a19fbf77b1fb660e8fcf1cf7656e8835/J000270_FF.jpg) First Floor Plan

# Challenges
The largest challenge to this project was the planning process due to some interesting local parameters. Engaging a tree specialist early on allowed for decisions to be made about the retention of some key trees and the best method of protection. The rear boundary was also a Grade II Listed brick wall that needed to be clearly protected which formed part of the submission process. As such a pre-application meeting with the local authority yielded valuable feedback to engage on these subjects and ensure that we had responded suitably to each matter prior to an application.

3D external render of house extension in Essex

3D render for house extension in Essex Rear Garden View

3D internal render of kitchen area with kitchen island and roof lights for house extension in Essex

3D internal render of kitchen area with roof lights for house extension in Essex

3D internal render of kitchen space with island and roof lights for house extension in Essex

3D internal render of bedroom area for house extension in Essex

Ground Floor Plan for rear and side extension in Essex

First Floor Plan for rear and side extension in Essex

Westlands

For this project our client required a lot more space for their family's growing needs. They specifically wanted to convert their loft into a master suite and open up the ground floor for better flow. They approached us during the purchase process which allowed us to start the design journey with them from the very beginning, creating a new lease of life for the property, tailored made for them.

# Brief
Converting the loft allowed for a really great master bedroom space. This needed to include a separate bathroom space as well as making the most of the front gable for a fantastic dressing area. Also important to the client was reconfiguring the first floor to include ensuite bathrooms for each of the bedrooms, extending and adjusting the ground floor for a generous open plan kitchen and living space. All in all, our brief was to create loads more space in this family home. Its not often you get asked to make a Tardis! 

# Concept
![GUGLIELMI CONCEPT 15](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/7JX9VR4iSZ53s2wVYvSFHB/5cf1e7f60e54b6b2aedba61490618a27/GUGLIELMI_CONCEPT_15.jpg)

On the ground floor we removed the garage allowing for much more natural light into the formal dining room. This room still opens out to the back through connecting doors to a large kitchen space with pantry and side access, providing great flexibility as needs change. With good planning, we proposed rebuilding the store for a more useable utility/laundry space with side access to that all important outdoor hanging space. 

A fantastic sliding glass door rear elevation gave a lovely connection to the garden and some well placed roof lights brightened up the floor plan perfectly. Externally, we married a material palette that complements the age of the property but with a more modern aesthetic suited to our client's taste.
![J000291 68.jpg 67.jpg 68](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4ALuUDE7lpCnt0FyaYej8s/90bf16063f6745d5e6a5f1268a170c74/J000291_68.jpg_67.jpg_68.jpg)
Ground Floor Plan

![J000291 69](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/3mfBuRDdIMwJ6HzRxadHfn/c5d0fdc5ed9574a22c898003f7c130a4/J000291_69.jpg)
First Floor Plan

![J000291 70](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/5uEBJNwlta46ibcdWG6W1P/e9ca95d0cd882abcb0ad5b966f5fde7c/J000291_70.jpg)
Second Floor Plan

# Challenges
Like any project, our team had to keep our client's budget in mind throughout. This can sometimes pose a challenge, but ensuring we balance the brief carefully means we manage expectations and the project moves forward even when construction costs escalate. One key element that posed a challenge was the limited head room in the new loft, which meant we had to propose lowering the ceiling across the whole first floor. This was only possible because of the generous head height in the existing so we were able to design this in effectively and hit the brief successfully.

3d external image of kitchen extension and loft conversion in Essex

Kitchen image with island in a house extension in Epping

Kitchen image with island and crital windows in a house extension in Epping

3d internal image of kitchen extension and loft conversion in Essex

3D interior render of kitchen area with island and roof lights for house extension in Epping

3D internal render for house extension in Epping

3d external image at dusk of kitchen extension and loft conversion in Essex

Living room image in a house extension in Epping

Dining room image in a house extension in Epping

Bathroom image with double sink and bath in a house extension in Epping

Bathroom image with freestanding bath in a house extension in Epping

Bathroom image with freestanding bath for house extension in Epping

Bathroom image with shower in a house extension in Epping

Bedroom image for a house extension in Epping

Bedroom image for house extension in Epping

J000291 68.jpg 67.jpg 68

J000291 69

J000291 70

Epping

This project involved rejuvenating and extending a beautiful property in the countryside. This required breathing new life into the building, creating a harmonious blend of traditional character and modern functionality. By enhancing the connection to the surrounding countryside, optimising the use of natural light, and creating spacious areas for living, Method Studio aimed to create a beautiful comfortable home for our clients.

# Brief

The brief from our clients was to rejuvenate their beautiful property and extend to the rear and side to make better use of their stunning countryside views. The main aim was to achieve four bedrooms, some with ensuites, as well as improving the flow of the downstairs living spaces. This necessitated reorienting the layouts of both floors to allow the main kitchen and living space to face the extensive garden area. On the first floor our client required a generous master suite that also connected well with the garden. The proposal meant our team could include stunning vaulted ceilings to make the new additions really special. Despite the challenges of the property being in a Green Belt area, the project had so much potential so our team were really excited to see how they could develop the clients' ideas.

# Concept
This well-designed rear and side extension made the most of panoramic countryside views, enhancing the connection with nature. By incorporating large windows, sliding glass doors, and floor-to-ceiling glazing, the indoors seamlessly merged with the outdoor environment, creating a strong visual and emotional connection with nature. By opening up the house with glass elements and strategically placed skylights, this allowed natural light to flood the interior, creating bright, airy spaces that are energising.
Extending to the house facilitated a shift to an open-plan design, integrating living, dining, and kitchen areas. This layout created a versatile space that is perfect for our clients' modern lifestyles.
The additonial space also provided the option to create a luxurious master suite that capitalizes on the scenic views.
This modern extension was designed to complement the traditional style through a careful choice of materials, proportions, and finishes, blending the old with the new harmoniously. By rejuvenating the property, the charm and historical character of the original architecture was preserved. 

![On site image of house in extension in Essex](//assets.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/5YNyocFvcr1psLsKf295kr/51eb00f698b20b65f0e3e1d5b4d89c76/IMG_0216.HEIC) We are onsite!

# Challenges
Securing planning permission for a development in a Green Belt area presents several architectural challenges, primarily due to the strict regulations designed to protect these areas from inappropriate development. The Green Belt was established to prevent urban sprawl, safeguard the countryside, and maintain the openness of natural landscapes.  Architects must design with a clear rationale to show how the development meets the criteria for VSC (Very Special Circumstances). This may require creating proposals that demonstrate how the project minimises harm or even enhances the Green Belt. The majority of the development is unseen from the front, which adds a protection to the Green Belt area. The local Planning Authority were very specific about what we could build and the size so Method Studio were very pleased to achieve such an impressive sized extension.


3d external render of house extension in Essex

3d external render rear view of house extension in Essex

3d internal render of living space with internal roof light glazing for house extension in Essex

3d internal render of living space for house extension in Essex

3d internal render of bedroom space space for house extension in Essex

South Hanningfield

# Brief
The proposal focuses on replacing the existing dwelling and outbuildings with a new, architecturally exemplary home that elevates the quality of the local built environment. The design is sensitive to the surrounding area, incorporating high-quality materials and landscaping, while also taking into account arboricultural and ecological factors. Located beside the River Wid, the new dwelling has been carefully positioned above ground level to mitigate flood risks. The structure will allow water to flow beneath it, reducing the potential impact on nearby properties. Overall, the brief is to create a modern, sustainable home that enhances both the site and the local community, ensuring a seamless integration with its natural surroundings.

Concept external rear image for new build in Essex

Concept external front image for new build in Essex

Concept internal image for new build in Essex

Concept internal staircase image for new build in Essex

Great Oxney

SOCOTEC Building Control have offices across the country covering England and Wales. They provide expert advice and a high standard Building Control service that never compromises on safety. Method Studio have worked with SOCOTEC on various and diverse projects over the years and have always found them to be very easy to work with.