Hamilton RAI

This tired and simple bungalow needed a bit of love and our client wanted to create their forever home. More floor space and a fantastic living breathing kitchen with a courtyard were the key items on the brief.

# Brief
Our clients were looking to extend their home to include a generous open plan living and kitchen space. It was important to include a lovely big kitchen island for gathering around and a wine fridge. We also looked into trying to integrate a courtyard with the living space as our clients really loved shared indoor/outdoor spaces. Items like this are a luxury that with the right detailing and planning can flow seamlessly. 

![Sloman site photo](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/Kx96A2VrKWozCZqAElwQv/b46b24c2603811892e617d073e189dd9/For_website.jpg) Existing Site photo 

# Concept
Our design is centred around a warm heart of the home in the form of a glazed courtyard with a fire pit in the centre. When all the glazed doors are open this courtyard becomes part of the house bringing in loads of beautiful sunlight and fresh air making the house feel bigger. 

We also designed a home office space that looks out to the courtyard and has a big crittall style partition which looks modern and can close for privacy. We also provided a reconfiguration and refurbishment for the bedrooms. We created a spacious Master suite with a Master ensuite. 

![209](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/2OJnj16XQhsQDnXMxOkfUn/90838710713f6de746499141ad76dfd6/209.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

# Challenges
We used the different planning policies to our advantage for this build. With our in-depth knowledge we are able to submit multiple applications in order to get the most out of our client's building! Shared access for the garage can become a sticking point, it was important we specified a tidy upgrade to our client's section of the garage and 'made good' the neighbours spaces where applicable.  

01 garden

Internal render for rear house extension in Essex

02 garden

First floor floor plan for  project in Essex

Writtle

This end of terrace house needed a loft conversion and ground floor extension but with a modern twist. The client wanted the new top floor to be flooded with light so we were able to introduce gorgeous glazing with a zinc clad chamfered detail. This material is reflected in the lower level kitchen extension with a beautiful glazed wrap-around detail.

# Brief
The client wanted a balance between elegance, personality and flair in the design! This terrace house needed a ground floor extension to include open plan kitchen/dining space and will draw light into the centre of the house. 
The clients also wanted a loft conversion for a master suite, this was to feel like a boutique hotel room and provide a comfortable quiet space to retreat to. The reconfiguration of internal spaces needed to be practical and allow for subtle back of house spaces to be hidden away. 

![Dayton site photo](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/3PkucZcsj3fhBJ5j5yPAsc/46ab7003fbfda1918f623487c8806ee0/FOR_WEBSITE_01.jpg)Existing house
# Concept
This project was a lot of fun to design! With a joyful brief and a clear design intent the project came together really well. With the right amount of glazing in the right places (along with a little flair) the inside feels bright and spacious. 

The loft has a large sliding door that fully opens up with a Juliet balcony. This allows the user to make the most of fresh air and lovely views but also ensures the rooms privacy. 

![231 1](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4wJ9ssbKTO0uJL5EoNQ602/7a45d65dbbc5b9110b1b27bc5ddc4100/231_1.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

![231 0](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/va1lwrj0NotAKb95ecawo/ab363e8f2aacbf60d168530e116c0e9b/231_0.jpg)First Floor Plan

![231 2](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/3FU7dGHilEhkDPDZeL2wXP/aa499b80654489d9082bde2c16160f51/231_2.jpg)Second Floor Plan

# Challenges
We had to navigate planning restrictions in order to gain the maximum amount of space allowed in the form of a contemporary style dormer. Our team came up with a very thoughtful design the client was really happy with. 

# VR
See below for the VR experience we created for our clients! This helps our clients really visualise what their new home looks like, it also helps our clients make further decisions with kitchen design and overall finishes. See more about our VR and design process in our [Stage 1](https://method.studio/process) guide. 

Loft conversion and kitchen extension 3D render

External 3D render loft conversion

External 3D render front

3d render of dining area and kitchen with herringbone flooring

3d render of dining area

3d render of living space

Floor plans for first floor extension in Essex

Floor plans for first loft conversion and extension in Essex

Warley

A loft conversion and extensions over two floors allows this property to become a fantastic family home. Large open plan living on the ground floor is the order of the day with reconfigured bedrooms throughout this home.

These sensible additions to a home add usable space as well as increase your property value for the future. It is incredible how these well designed elements have the ability to transform your way of living. 

# Brief
Our clients had a clear vision of intelligent floor plans accompanied with beautiful design that could transform a house into a home. They needed an open plan kitchen/living/dining space and a connection through to the living space at the front of the house. The first floor extended slightly to encompass a larger bedroom and a relocated larger bathroom. We were also asked to look into a hip to gable extension in the loft which would contain a Master bedroom suite. 

# Concept
With some very thoughtful design we created a sanctuary for our clients family. Working from top to bottom our impact on the current layout was simple yet incredibly effective. Method Studio Architects tweaked internal spaces to make the open plan light and spacious dream a reality. We tied the new kitchen/living/dining into the existing living (which was repurposed into a snug), and into utility space. 

![238 0](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/6g17EGmRVgekp3ZI6VuPRo/dfd168e8a3586670a02b5b93a6a04bcd/238_0.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

![238 1](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/2F2BjQOPtQqVja3EZzbP3q/c7d377d37fc9e85ee68bf3954ba8eaf7/238_1.jpg)First Floor Plan

![238 2](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/65OpXon0CJ8TnYZVlj7ve/9a919b3b0842cc3752b4aa954180439c/238_2.jpg)Second Floor Plan

# Challenges
We worked hard on this job to deliver the perfect design with an affordable construction cost. The tender process was a challenge with our current climate and ever changing construction costs. We work with our clients to manage the tender process in order to produce several quotations for comparison. Ultimately to then deliver a successful project and a heathy working relationship with your successful contractor! Please find out more about the process by reading [Stage Three - Specifications and Quotations](https://method.studio/process "Stage Three - Specifications and Quotations"). 

3d render kitchen

3d render of kitchen and dining area

3d render loft conversion and extension

3d render kitchen with roof light feature

3D RENDER KITCHEN

3d render of lounge space with crittall door

3D RENDER LIVING AREA

3D RENDER PATIO AREA

Ground floor plan for rear extension in Essex

Ground floor plan for rear extension

First floor home extension project in Essex

Second floor home extension project and loft conversion in Essex

Alexandra Park

Two storey extensions and the total rebuild of the loft for a great new living space rejuvenates this detached property. The client needed extra space from the ground through to the loft for everyday family life, friends to enjoy and an office space for the new norm of working from home.  

# Brief
The brief for this project ultimately required the design to create more space for living, add more bedrooms and to give the building a face lift! The Ground floor needed an upgrade for the office, extend the kitchen space and convert the garage to a new TV room for those warm winter family film nights. 

The first floor also needed an extension to include dressing rooms, an ensuite for the bedrooms and to add a stair case to the new loft conversion! The loft was to fit 2 new bedrooms and a bathroom so the house can have maximum flexibility to entertain family and friends. 

# Concept
Our design fulfils the client's brief and more! We are proud to produce an extension and layout that includes all required spaces and creates a wonderful modern well-balanced looking home. 

We have designed the living room and dining space to open right up to the back garden while connecting in with the kitchen and utility space. The first floor has lovely big dressing rooms for 2 bedrooms and a new ensuite for the Master bedroom as well. 

![241 0](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/6VqJb0nspsVHOX5w4xesXS/241f55dc3668d549a786b4f416fee3f2/241_0.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

![241 1](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/3Vmd73Wl4wml2ZB9aD8YT1/126aabefb1e78c6a5ab50c0f096a82be/241_1.jpg)First Floor Plan

![241 2](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/78mmR3q3dX8qSfy5x2DlJT/7123a1b57b07cceeacc3065848444d3b/241_2.jpg)Second Floor Plan

# Challenges
This site was tightly squeezed in between 2 neighbours. This close proximity brings on challenges like acoustics, overlooking, drainage and privacy. In order to combat these we created openings for sun and light towards the garden and through the roof, and directed openings away from neighbours. We also carefully detailed a parapet wall right next to the neighbours in order to direct the rainwater towards the gutters at the front of the building.

3D image of front of house extension

Sketch image and basic 3d render of rear house extension

Sketch image of rear house extension

3d internal render with beautiful roof light feature

3D internal and roof light

Floor plan for ground floor house extension in Essex

Floor plan for first floor house extension in Essex

Floor plan for second floor house extension and loft conversion in Essex

Hornchurch

On this project we enjoyed working with a local client and their young family to develop a very particular brief. They needed a fresh new build that catered for unique mobility and accessibility issues as well as provided a great contemporary space for them to settle in the area. Set in the heart of Chelmsford city and opposite a listed building this project raised several enjoyable challenges to navigate.

# Brief
We were approached by a family hoping to settle into a new home in Chelmsford, having bought a tired property near the city centre. With two young children and accessibility requirements they wanted their home to be tailor made to them. We came on board after some initial design work had been undertaken that had not quite satisfied our clients needs and so were asked to come up with some fresh new perspectives.

![Chelmsford Concept](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/1gpaK1x22GA5rYkWLigphz/62cc0b196e616b15d5e5bd94ca1ddc3d/Concept_Elev.png)

# Concept
Surrounded by some interesting brick built terraces and a mix of more modern detached dwellings we had to fit into the surroundings sympathetically. The design includes unique and fun elements internally, as well as a rich material palette expressed externally in zinc standing seam paneling, bold concrete features and textured brick faces. All of this is balanced in form with a steady rhythm to the elevations that fit in with the vernacular. Our client is very excited to see how their vision becomes a reality in the coming months.

![Sandford Road, Internal](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/1dcNi0o96SIjyj31HzkfXT/9307c6c447c33cdb1f9f8ee44f90061c/Sandford-Road_parque.jpg)

![179 0](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/50WmPIfG77TtpJzPMDHu5W/ab441095ca62777d8e367314850313dc/179_0.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

![179 1](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/pxzTGeXB4oT1ngwgF2mP7/250a5c3d7601edb6b17428bcb9d77a04/179_1.jpg)First Floor Plan

![179 Allaway Site image](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/M279Z2pOTNbM1NtSbfQ82/92a989a5b08c4461fd1a2611da4f0c3a/IMG_1777.jpg)Site construction photo

# Challenges
The challenge of being set in the vicinity of some listed buildings meant that we needed to work closely with the planning department to achieve approval. Often these settings are more sensitively dealt with and we had to ensure that we achieved everything the client wanted without compromising the integrity of the concept. This meant several meetings with the planners and some refinements in terms of the volume of the property, all the while keeping our client up to speed with how these demands might impact the design.

# VR
See below for the VR experience we created for our clients! This helps our clients really visualise what their new home looks like, it also helps our clients make further decisions with kitchen design and overall finishes. See more about our VR and design process in our [Stage 1](https://method.studio/process) guide.

Rear external 3d render with porch/portico area

Sandford Porch area

Sandford external

Internal 3d render of living space with dropped floor area

Sandford Living space

Floor plan for ground floor new build project in Essex

Floor plan for first floor home extension project in Essex

Chelmsford


Our client was in need of a more modern property, with extra space for a family orientated layout. The property has some great traditional features that needed to be retained, but with an overriding need to elevate the family lifestyle through the use of new space and a re-configuration of the existing layout. 

# Brief
This design looks to bring a holistic approach back to a fragmented home. Bringing the design and layout into the 21st century and creating a modern family home, with open plan-living in mind.

Our concept extends the rear of the property, in a contemporary style, but with references to the more traditional aesthetic of the existing property. Also making use of the generous space at the side of the property, creating one large kitchen / dining / living space. The internal layout also returns the front living room space back to an independent area, and introducing functional storage and utility, boot room to the newer part of the home. 
The introduction of large amounts of glazing seeks to flood the new and existing spaces with natural light and ensuring a strong connection to the garden. 

On the upper floors a new layout adds bedroom and ensuite spaces, with one large master suite within the existing loft space.

![Rear 3D](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/41IAmRhZDAPFl0qi0Zk08Q/7c5c66da4bb5fea8860a80d6509c0fef/Rear_3D.jpg)

# Concept
From the front, the property retains its traditional charm, very much in keeping with the characterful area. From the rear however design elements have been introduced to allow for modern family living. The more modern materials have been specifically chosen to complement the traditional brick and render. 

Glass is a key element in this design, not only to make the most of the impressive views, but to ensure that the new and existing parts of the property feel open, light and spacious. The use of a crittal style fits in with the more traditional look of the existing property, this along with a cleverly chosen interior will provide a holistic view to the styling of the property. 

The interiors have been re-arranged to incorporate spacious bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms and even an office space on the second floor. The property will now have three spacious double bedrooms, and a master suite on the second floor. The master suite utilises the spacious loft, giving enough room for seating space, dressing room and ensuite. Down the hall on the top floor is an office space, with an angular window focused on the sprawling views from this vantage point. 
![Kitchen 1](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/1UHMFxZBAenG7LhgnglBY1/5f28fc67f4c769f2c5baac3a58d9b338/Kitchen_1.png)
What the existing property lacked in open-plan living, well proportioned spaces and connection to the garden have all been included in this design. The desired family focused living required in the brief can now spread into these new spaces and give new life to this property. 

![136 0](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/2qf65ipjfGaNBatVhY7ccv/3d36426d0c24faf79566a1ecfb9fe544/136_0.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

![136 1](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/UleTvxiDpzYXmkoUaeI8E/14f2dd9869131ba0f40f919403fbb026/136_1.jpg)First Floor Plan

![136 2](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/24zbtAPv90MugAjSUX0sCm/a6303c672f51193917c64fe929ec4366/136_2.jpg)Second Floor Plan

# Challenges
Sometimes the introduction of newer materials in a traditional setting can be a sticking point for planning applications. Often applications have to achieve approval with a more conservative pallet and then use Minor Amendment applications to add in newer materials. This was the case with the project for the use of Zinc. Without this approach it may have only been possible to use more traditional dormer materials such as hung tiles, which would not have enhanced the look of this proposal in the way zinc does.

# VR
See below for the VR experience we created for our clients! This helps our clients really visualise what their new home looks like, it also helps our clients make further decisions with Kitchen design and overall finishes. See more about our VR and design process in our [Stage 1](https://method.studio/process) guide. 


3D rendering of house extension 

Kitchen 3D model

kitchen dining space in house extension 3D model

kitchen dining space

Bedroom in loft conversion

Ground floor home extension project and loft conversion in Essex

Floor plan for first floor home extension project and loft conversion in Essex

Floor plan for second floor home extension project and loft conversion in Essex

Thorndon

This property had not been touched in several decades and its new owner wanted to revitalise it for his family. The brief was 'contemporary mediterranean' but we had to cope with some very sensitive planning requirements also.

# Brief
This project is a complete renovation and rejuvenation of a family home. The client's brief was to add lots of space to their existing home. These spaces included a ground floor extension for an open plan kitchen/living/dining, utility room, WC and outdoor seating patio area. 

Part of this renovation is to add a master suite, new stair, and 4 bedrooms, all with ensuites and dressing rooms where possible. Externally the client wanted a clean smooth finish that is easy to maintain. 

# Concept
With this project we have had the unique opportunity to work with a new material. We designed the front facade to be clad in a wow-factor beautiful hit-and-miss timber-looking cladding made out of extruded aluminium. This material requires minimal maintenance, allows lots of light into the stair well and provides a hidden garage door for a seamless smooth finish.

Inside we have reconfigured the floor plans to work efficiently with the sun and the client's needs. The ground floor rear extension encompasses an open plan kitchen/dining space with 2 large rooflights above and a lovely big sliding door to the garden. We included a workshop into the garage, and a utility room that connects it to the main house - this access makes carrying groceries into the kitchen so much easier!

The first floor layout has a had a complete make over. We have rationalised the layout to suit new ensuites, additional bedrooms and a lovely 2 storey void over the entrance space. 

![221 1](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/2bKsqRRSefDnXL1QskXCKY/a1a561ac3e4e27b7e79009b7c964b46e/221_1.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

![221 2](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4g3lAqJbrn14zRmfqwV9Ed/f85f0bf1509e1a58cbbe491c7787e565/221_2.jpg)First Floor Plan

# Challenges
There was a lot of correspondence with the planners for this build. The roof form and materials were of high interest to the Local Authority. Our clients wanted a modern finish which matched parts of his neighbourhood but not his direct neighbours. Method Studio worked hard on a proposal the Local Authority would accept but still gave the client what he wanted. It's all part of the job! 

3d render of external rear extension

3d render of external house extension

3d render of external garage and house extension

3d render of external garage

3D render house extension

Internal 3D render kitchen dining area with roof lights

Internal 3D render kitchen

Internal 3D render with sliding doors and roof lights

3D render internal

Internal 3D staircase

3D render of living space with bifold doors

Internal 3D render living space

External 3D render with garage 

Ground floor floor plan rear and side extension with garage

First floor floor plan rear and side extension with garage

Little Baddow

For this property our client was hoping for an extension to the rear of the property to create an open plan kitchen and dining area as well as converting the loft for a more generous new master bedroom with ensuite. They wanted to work with their very nice period property but work with some more interesting materials. The loft dormer is finished in a beautiful standing seam zinc panel. In the new open plan kitchen the structure is left exposed and we made use of some lovely crittal style window details for a gorgeous industrial style.

# Brief
The brief includes extending out to the rear on the ground floor and side return which lends nicely to a reconfigured kitchen and dining space. We would need to navigate planning in order to gain as much space here as possible. The extension was to include a kitchen/dining space, as well as reconfigure the first floor to include a new stair. Our clients loved industrial aesthetics which we would need to apply and integrate into the existing character naturally. 

# Concept

We kept the part of the kitchen with a well detailed picture window framing the view down the corridor out toward the garden nicely. Along one side of the new layout we brought plenty of light into the new space with a vaulted ceiling and large flat rooflights as well as some great glazed doors along the rear elevation.

On the upper floors we designed a stair to a sizeable landing which is enough for a modest study space. With a little re-jigging we converted one space into a spacious shared bathroom and provided a generous Master bedroom with ensuite within some charming dormers. 

![43 0](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/KbLG9fVeeHKluQGxMxGJz/3929067ec3b2ae618afa1f926b56a974/43_0.jpg)Ground Floor plan

![43 1](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/3SkBSypBEg2cDGVNG1o3zf/ae496800c0ad4408aef445a6d8c58c32/43_1.jpg)First Floor plan

![43 2](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/5yURCSpQb6sZ0ESaMOWD8z/fbb3616d23c19588d5d8bd4916beab0c/43_2.jpg)Second Floor plan

# Challenges
The biggest challenge for this project was delivering the desired industrial aesthetic the clients loved while still adhering to strict fire regulations. We proposed lovely big exposed steel beams that required intumescent paint in order to meet regulations. We also had to detail how the exposed rafters with glazing above maintained the client's fire safety as a top priority but also looked rustic and original.  

Wimbledon Extension

External image of single storey extension and loft conversion, zinc

cowper external

Cowper bedroom loft conversion

Internal bathroom image with double sink for house extension

Cowper bathroom with double sink

Internal image of living space in a home extension

Cowper lounge and living space

Internal image of dining room to kitchen extension area

Cowper dining room

Image of single storey extension, kitchen extension with exposed steel, brick and roof lights

Cowper extension with roof lights

Ground floor floor plan rear extension

Second floor floor plan rear extension and loft conversion

First floor floor plan rear extension and loft conversion

Wimbledon

Our client wanted to develop their whole property to include a new loft conversion and a ground floor open plan kitchen as well as reconfiguring their floor plan.

# Brief
This lovely house needed an expansion to include much needed extra space for the clients. The extension to the rear of the property was to include a generous open plan kitchen and living space, as well as allow as much natural light into the hallway as possible. We also needed to add spaces into the floor plan for storage, utilities, and a boot room. Our clients wanted to explore the possibility of a loft conversion also, so we looked into a few options of how this could be incorporated. 

The exterior finishes needed an upgrade with a suitable texture, colour and to require little maintenance. This finish, as well as a freshening the front porch to match the exterior facade elements, gives the entrance a deserved revitalisation!

# Concept
Our design was to create cosy spaces for reading and watching TV as well as light open spaces for dining and gathering. We designed a gorgeous boxed window seat that frames a relaxing seating space for afternoon reading. Along with this boxed window seat we have new composite framed large sliding doors and 2 roof lights that wash the space in natural light. 

With the Generous utility space behind the kitchen the muddy pooch can be washed and dried before entering into their lovely new extension. We also designed a very spacious loft conversion which we got planning for! This design is sitting in our clients back pocket for when they want to undergo the works in phase 2 of their build. 

![215](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4pU2GD9hejGvHeRowkx7Ux/a407bcd5fea15c2155ae9f67c6d98c3b/215.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

# Challenges
This house was originally incredibly traditional inside. It was a design challenge to modernise the interior while still keeping the style in cohesion with the rest of the house. Structurally this meant we needed to add some cranked beams into the roof and some long steel beams into the kitchen to support the new extension. 

3d render of internal kitchen extension

Ground floor plan for rear and side house extension

Leigh-On-Sea

This beautiful Grade II Listed Victorian terraced home in Islington, London required an elegant addition that allowed the existing house to maintain its heritage. 

We worked with our client and the local planning authorities to create an ultra modern frameless glass cube for the ultimate wow factor.

# Brief
Put simply our clients desired a great living space! They wanted a large opening in the rear wall to make way for lots of glazing to bring light into the heart of their family home. 

# Concept
With the right design this space would be comfortable, elegant and give our clients a wonderful connection to the garden. We are confident we have delivered! Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. Our glass box design is delicate and crisp. The window frames are slender and robust, keeping the obstructions of the view crystal clear and allowing the sun to flood inside. 

We had to carefully consider how the sequencing of installing these large glass panes worked on site. The weight of one pane of glass cannot be simply carried on site. We had to consider the accessibility the crane has on site in order to construct this design, it is our responsibility to make sure the design can be logistically built. 

![3](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/qKmi1MCna0k1GI9Bz4VUq/cdfc9e4048e578c48dc6d09ba4684e8d/3.jpg)Ground Floor plan

# Challenges
Because we were building right next to a shared party wall we needed to underpin the wall so it wouldn’t collapse with the nearby works. This takes more than just careful detailing! We have a wonderful party wall consultant who guides our clients through giving notice to your neighbours, what your responsibilities are and on the rare occasion disputes. Please see our [ask-us](https://method.studio/faqs) page for more information on how party-wall agreements work!

Islington Internal

INTERNAL Islington Extension

Glass box extension

External Edit Glass

Ground floor floor plan for glass box project in London

Islington

Hamilton RAI have a wealth of experience as Party Wall Surveyors and Planning Consultants. They have worked with Method Studio on countless projects and we are always very happy to recommend them to our clients. They provide an excellent service, ensuring that every project is handled carefully and any challenges are met with correctly.