Upper Clapton #129
Project
Upper Clapton #129
Client
Nicky & Eva
Brief
Side infill extension, kitchen & dining hub, shower room.
Location
Hackney E5
Budget
£150k
Duration
32 Weeks - Spring 2020
Project Overview:
The property is a Victorian mid-terrace 4 bedroom home in Upper Clapton.
The work had just commenced on site when the first lockdown following the outbreak of the Coronavirus was implemented. This put the client, contractor, and the rest of the design team in an uncertain position. We discussed the various options and implications at length, and primarily based on extensive excavations having already been carried out, and therefore the structure being in a somewhat vulnerable position, it was agreed to push on with the construction with caution. With a few delays to certain supply items along the way, all parties were able to work together to keep the build moving with a fair momentum and the work was completed without significant impact to the schedule.
In terms of the brief, the principal objective was to upgrade the existing cold and dark kitchen and reconnect this with the rest of the living accommodation, providing a new open-plan kitchen, informal dining area and raised library zone, with direct access to the formal dining area in the existing rear reception. The extended kitchen was designed to maximise the function and prominence of the kitchen as a practical, social and recreational hub of the home. The kitchen incorporates extensive storage, worktop space, high quality appliances, a window perch, great views to the garden - and quite intentionally no breakfast bar.
The raised library zone works within the footprint of the original conservatory (which was an original feature of many of the Victorian properties in this part of Clapton); this helps retain a reference to this key original feature, whilst also distinguishing this zone as a defined space with it's own specific character. The raised floor zone and contrasting floor finishes creates a mid zone between the kitchen and formal dining spaces, and proivdes a zone for some very large drawers for the storage of the owners camping equipment and luggage.
Double patio doors provide improved views and access to the garden, and a large-format double window is provided to the kitchen allowing expansive views to the garden, improved ventilation, and a service hatch for dining alfresco, whilst deliberately not forming another access point which would have compromised the autonomy of the kitchen. Additional daylight is brought into the deepest part of the plan with the use of a large-format flat rooflight.
The utility & laundry cupboard optimises the existing hall connection to the original kitchen, and is designed on a tapered angle to maintain access to the basement zone - specifically for a long ladder.
Our typical simple palette of materials and standard products are used throughout but also complemented with some additional bespoke elements, including kitchen fronts and shelving (by HØLTE), bespoke ply joinery & cabinetry, and an eclectic mix of light fittings & furniture. Another key feature was the use of hand-made glazed tiles to clad the exterior of the new side infill extension.
Team:
Architect: ARCHEA
Building Control: Assent South East
Engineer: DEC Consulting Engineers Ltd
Contractor: Lakewood Build
01
How did you find out about ARCHEA?
We looked up Hackney-based architects and came across ARCHEA. One of the latest projects on ARCHEA's website stated that it was in Clapton, Hackney. We could narrow down the area a bit further and realised that the project was just around the corner. Linking up with neighbours we got to know the owners of that house. We were invited over to see their new kitchen extension and talk through their experience of the design & build process. This convinced us to contact Richard at ARCHEA to discuss our project.
02
How much did you know about domestic architectural services before you commenced the project?
A bit, but not in great detail. We did a lot of initial sketching of ideas ourselves and had fairly clear ideas what we wanted and what we didn’t want. During our research we had contacted a few companies – including one that specialised in kitchen extensions and had experience of working on Victorian houses in Hackney – but comparison of the initial discussions convinced us to go with a more bespoke arrangement with ARCHEA. From the first meeting with Richard we felt he really had a sense for what we were after.
03
How would you describe and value the design & management process provided by ARCHEA?
It suited us excellently! We had quite clear ideas of what we wanted in terms of functional design & aesthetics, and Richard and Luke were extremely receptive to our ideas. They built on those initial sketches and made great suggestions – in terms of what works structurally; what materials might be best etc. They were also very open to some of our suggestions, for example, the glazed brick slips that are now a key external element of the extension. They were also clear where things might be difficult and not to be recommended – for example when we suggested polished concrete for worktops. Understanding our design ideas they then suggested alternatives which worked out just as well.
The management process throughout the planning & build was excellent. The offer presented and the cost structure were very transparent and clearly described. Archea also managed all of the formal stuff like planning permission. Once we were happy with the final drawings, they did a very comprehensive job specifying every detail of the build internally & externally – some of which we now don’t see but are critical to the build outcome, such as which type of insulation material, down to what type of kitchen tap or shower head we wanted. We specified the kind of kitchen appliances we wanted – including existing ones – and they were included in that detailed plan as well.
All these details were then used to ask builders for quotes (a process that was also managed by ARCHEA).
ARCHEA have developed a very comprehensive specification of materials, finishes & suppliers that can be selected from according to the build requirements & client desires – ranging from the most appropriate construction materials to aesthetically pleasing bathroom fittings. From a client point of view this saved us a great deal of research time. We could focus just on the more bespoke elements (the glazed brick slips, for example). And we know our builder also appreciated much of this legwork having already been done, as he could then concentrate on the technicalities of realising the project.
04
How happy were you with the builders and the build process?
We could not be happier. ARCHEA recommended 2 builders they have worked with in the past, and thought would be a good match for us – one was the builder who did the extension at our neighbour’s (who they had highly recommended). We met with both builders before making the decision and from these meetings it became immediately clear which one it would be – it just clicked. All preparations were done and finally, after a bit more than a year of planning , a start date for the build was set: 8 March 2020.
By the time lockdown was announced everything that was once our kitchen was ripped out, the pad foundation pits had been dug and the entire back of the house was propped on pins. So, what now …?
05
How happy are you with the finished project?
We could not be happier. It worked out exactly as we planned.
06
What was the most enlightening part of the whole process?
That when people are dedicated and love their job, even a crisis like Covid can be managed; with detailed planning and time management, good relationships and transparency among the architect, the builder and his team and the clients.
07
Which part of the process do you believe needs the most refining or explaining to improve the overall client experience?
That’s rather difficult to say as our experience was really excellent.
08
Do you have any key insights that you would give to new clients embarking on their own renovation project?
Hmm. Be clear about what you want and also what you don’t want. Go to a first meeting with the architects with a lot of ideas and a very open mind! Allow yourself to be surprised by their suggestions but, if you want something specific, stick to it. Add in extra time, the building works will inevitably take longer that planned – this is a truism even without Covid. And add a lot more to the budget than originally hoped for. But the result will be worth it…
09
Out of 1-10, how would you rate ARCHEA’s service?
What, are we in Guardian Blind Date territory now? ;-) A solid 10