We soon realised that the old floor plan was not functioning well due to limited space.
The client was unsure whether the cost of adding an extension would make financial sense due to the value of the house. We settled on exploring two alternative solutions – with and without adding an extension. For both solutions, we defined a clear list of goals to tackle the pressing issues:
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Optimising the flow between the living room, kitchen, and the garden.
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Combining the pantries spaces which were badly laid out
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Improving the usage of the tiny patio space at the back
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Adding room at the entrance to hang coats and bags
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More storage space!
Ground floor, Option 1, No Extension
Ground floor, Option 2, With Extension
First floor, Option 2, With Extension
After reviewing both options, our client was convinced to extend the patio at the back so that it occupies the full width of the house. To keep the costs down, we recommended that the extension was kept relatively small adding only 6 SQM of floor space. It made a huge difference though and the enlarged patio would now easily host a family dining table. We designed the seating as a hollow, built-in bench perfect for toy storage.
We reduced the size of the two pantries and created a small functional guest toilet under the stairs as well as an adjacent utility/pantry room.
We created a large opening in the wall between the living room and the kitchen and between the kitchen and the dining patio. This contributed immensely and gave the space a sense of openness. It would now be possible to see the garden from the living room. Finally, we altered the wall next to the entrance and created a small niche for hanging coats and bags.
