Balham, London.
We transformed a terraced property by adding a two storey addition and creating new, light-filled work and family spaces.
What was the client’s brief?
The client’s brief was to create an office on the lower ground floor of their property. It had to connect with their existing dark, rear space, while adding light and creating a credible connection to the pocket-sized back garden on both the lower ground floor and the kitchen/reception room above.
What did we do?
We listened carefully to the client’s requirements, taking the time to fully understand why they needed a workspace at the front of the property, and how it needed to work.
As a result, we realised that we needed to find a way to effectively connect floors into a single useable space that felt like a single room, and create a superb live-work space, not just a ‘bolt on addition’.
There were two key issues that our design addressed:
- We allowed the clients to connect the lower ground floor of their home to the first floor so it flowed naturally, and stopped it being a dark, underused space.
- We balanced the creation of a working office at the front of the property, with a generous family space at the rear, without encroaching into the small garden.
The finished two storey space created an elegant, light-filled connection between floors that showcases the client’s book collection and connects both floors to the garden. We achieved this with clever use of Crittall-style glazing, exposed brick and a single spine bespoke staircase.
What challenges did we need to overcome?
Getting planning approval on a two storey rear addition on a terraced property where there was no precedent is rarely achievable. But we used 3D modeling to prove that the project would not impact the neighbours, and this helped us to achieve it.
What did the client think of the way we worked?
The client liked that we clearly understood their brief, and presented them with options. We also solved challenging questions and issues around their live/work needs, and they felt that our solutions weren’t just the ‘standard architects extension’ they had seen from others.
And the finished result?
The client was thrilled with final outcome, and felt that it delivered on all their requirements without the space compromises they had imagined they would have to deal with.
Status: Complete
Renovations.
We’ve helped transform many wonderful living spaces through renovations and extensions over the years.
Whether you’re looking for a contemporary glass addition, a complete makeover for a period Victorian or Edwardian property, internal remodelling options for houses built more recently, or a complete restoration of a derelict building, we’ll be able to help.
Using our 3D design process, you can explore a range of alterations before embarking on the more detailed phase of your renovation or extension.
Listed Properties.
With our wealth of experience working on listed and heritage properties across London and the South East, HollandGreen has successfully negotiated consents with Local Authority Conservation Officers and with Historic England for a wide range of renovation and extension planning requests.
We work with Specialist Heritage Consultants, and Archaeologists to provide detailed assessments of historic buildings, and have gained approval for ambitious, but sympathetic alterations to properties of historic interest, including those Grade ii* which fall within the top 3% of protected properties in the UK.
New Builds.
For many people the prospect of building their own home is the ultimate dream. At HollandGreen, we’re proud of the fact that we have helped a number of people achieve this dream.
If you are fortunate enough to have a plot of land that has the potential to be built on, or a house that you would like to knock down and start again with a blank piece of paper, we’d love to help.
We can advise on likely planning implications to help establish the feasibility of your project. Our exciting design journey will help you navigate through planning, choosing your builder, and delivering your dream new home.
Barn Conversions.
Barn conversions offer the perfect opportunity to create a unique countryside home, packed with character. At HollandGreen, we’ve had extensive experience in converting existing agricultural buildings into residential dwellings, in accordance to the recent changes to ‘Class Q’ Permitted Development Rights.
From traditional listed stone walled buildings with slate roofing, to more modern metal clad farm sheds for the modern, industrial look, you can create perfect country living with all mod cons. What a great opportunity to create a one-off family home that’s sympathetic to its rural setting, and generally larger in volume and scale than a modern build.
Conservation Areas.
Many properties fall within locations specified as a Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and we have specific experience working with planning departments across London, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Please do get in touch if you have any specific questions around what can be possible within a Conservation Area, even if you are just at the early stage of purchasing the property.
Luxury Basements & Pools.
If you’re battling to add space to your property, creating a basement storey can provide the perfect option to add significant living space, without having to move.
With basements closer to the main living areas than lofts, there is greater flexibility in terms of use, from home cinemas, wine cellars and playrooms, to office spaces, personal gyms and swimming pools.
To find out whether adding a basement to your property will add value to your house, we recommend seeking advice from your local estate agents. Talk to us about Permitted Development Rights, as basement extensions are often possible, if a cellar space already exists.
Luxury Kitchens & Lofts.
The way people use their living space is changing. We find that for most of our clients, the kitchen is now the hub of the modern home, and we’re proud that we’ve become known for our inventive and aspirational kitchen extensions.
We’ve helped hundreds of home owners across London and the South East create open, bright and contemporary kitchen living spaces that combine cooking, dining and living within one social and inviting area.
We’re also known for our carefully considered, aesthetically pleasing loft extensions that both increase living space and add a wonderful new aspect to your home.
- Renovations
- Listed Properties
- New Builds
- Barn Conversions
- Conservation Areas
- Luxury Basements & Pools
- Luxury Kitchens & Lofts