Upper Clapton #137
Project
Upper Clapton #137
Client
Mark & Laura (& their daughter)
Brief
Side-infill extension, kitchen & dining hub, garden room.
Location
Hackney E5
Budget
Not available
Duration
24weeks - Winter 2020/21
Project Overview:
The property is a Victorian end of terrace home located in Upper Clapton.
The client’s primary objective was to extend and improve their existing kitchen and dining spaces, which were relatively cramped within the existing rear projection of the house. Having reviewed a number of possibilities it was agreed to create a courtyard between the new side extension and existing rear reception, in order to retain the character and autonomy of the original Victorian reception rooms, but also to enable the new dining area within the extension, and the WC, to have direct natural light and fresh air. The courtyard space also significantly simplifies the drainage connections (due to an existing inspection chamber in this location) and also minimises impact on natural light to the neighbour’s rear reception room.
A new shower room (with new boiler) was also fitted into the existing corridor, together with a new laundry cupboard and small cloaks space
In addition to the works to the ground floor of the main house, a new garden room was also proposed to the unusually long and rear garden. The space is designed primarily as a home office, but also doubles as a spare living space, guest suite, and in due course, a teenager's den.
Our typical palette of materials and standard products are used throughout but are also complemented with some additional bespoke elements, including re-sprayed IKEA kitchen fronts, birch ply shelving & benches, together with a microscreed floor finish.
Team:
Architect: ARCHEA
Building Control: Assent South East
Engineer: DEC Consulting Engineers Ltd
Contractor: AT Building & Construction
01
How did you find out about ARCHEA?
We came across ARCHEA online a few years before we decided to go ahead with our renovations. We liked the team's design ethos and also that they focused mainly on houses in Hackney at the time, so we felt they would have a good understanding of the qualities of our house - and the workings of the local planning department!
02
How much did you know about domestic architectural services before you commenced the project?
Nothing firsthand - we'd never worked with an architect before, or carried out work on this scale.
03
How would you describe and value the design & management process provided by ARCHEA?
We felt the team offered excellent value. Richard and Luke spent time listening to what we needed, showed us plenty of options we would never have thought of on our own and steered us through the whole project.
04
How happy were you with the builders and the build process?
We were very happy with the builders we chose. They kept us up to date all the way through the process, accommodated the last minute changes we made with good humour and managed the project through some very tricky times in terms of lockdowns and supply chain delays. We have already recommended them - and ARCHEA - to friends!
05
How happy are you with the finished project?
We are delighted with our new home. The spaces we've created are already improving how we work and live, and give us options for the future as our family's needs change.
06
What was the most enlightening part of the whole process?
One of the surprises has been how much time we now spend in our garden. This has become a space it's a pleasure both to spend time in and to enjoy looking at from inside our new rooms. Working with ARCHEA made us think about what was important to us and the team challenged and refined our ideas, so that the end result is even more impactful than we imagined.
07
Which part of the process do you believe needs the most refining or explaining to improve the overall client experience?
We found that spending time discussing the practical details of how areas like the utility and kitchen would work was really useful. In terms of improvements to the process, it would have been great if ARCHEA had a partnership with a landscaper/garden designer.
08
Do you have any key insights that you would give to new clients embarking on their own renovation project?
Be patient, live offsite if you can while the building work is going on and trust the process.
09
Out of 1-10, how would you rate ARCHEA’s service?
10