The clients for this project approached Fineline Architects asking how they could sensitively extend their four storey Victorian townhouse within a Conservation Area to provide better access to the property through a Boot Room, alongside a much needed Utility Room whilst retaining their existing garage and garden office.
The property is split over four levels currently with the kitchen and a snug on the lower ground floor level. The entrance approach involves a set of sets up to the front door, to then proceed down a further flight of steps to reach the kitchen. With a buggy this is quite a difficult route to navigate, with little space within the original property to store the practicalities of family life.
The townhouse has already been extended to the rear with a lean-to lower ground floor extension with bi-folding doors, and a single storey garage to the side constructed from painted blockwork. As the clients have already invested to restore and reinstate the original features of the house, these two newer additions by a previous owner were not adding to the period style of the property.
As part of the design process, Fineline Architects reviewed all aspects of the existing property to understand the constraints, and particularly within the context of the property being not only within the Conservation Area but a Building of Townscape Merit.
Working closely with a heritage consultant, the design was developed to replace the existing poorly constructed garage with a two storey side extension in a complementary style to the original property. The materials and render tones align with that of the main house, with the windows taking their proportions from the lower ground floor existing windows. A flat roof ensures that the first floor has a good floor to ceiling height whilst remaining subservient to the porch volume.
The new extension is accessed via a double doorset leading into a Boot Room and External Store. The Boot Room has a bench and storage space for all the clients requirements with an internal staircase leading up to the main entrance.
A new office/playroom will occupy the first floor with a Utility Room and separate WC.
In order to ensure that the entrance porch remains a more dominant form than the extension, this is to be extended towards the street, to provide an improved entrance hall.
