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A surprising two-storey extension that more than doubles the size of the original house

Location

Campion Cottage DA5

Local Authority

Bexley Council

Plot Type

Suburban

Project Type

Extension

Accomplishment

An increase of 93 sqm

Services by Urbanist Architecture

Project Architect, Planning Consultant

Challenge

Our clients wanted to design and create a spacious, luxurious home for their large family. They needed our services to secure planning permission for building a (very) large house extension. Our extension design concept focused on high-end interior design incorporating clean lines and sleek surfaces in the bedrooms and extensive living, leisure and entertainment areas.

The original detached house had only two bedrooms and was too cramped for the family. As the house is on a corner plot with a huge amount of external space, their intention was to maximise the potential and double their property size. However, what seems like a good idea to a homeowner is sometimes the last thing a planning officer wants to see.

In this case, councils often prize the openness of big corner plots, considering that a key feature of the street scene and the feel of a neighbourhood, especially in suburban areas like this one. So convincing the planners that a substantial extension here would be a good thing was never going to be easy.

Before & After

Architectural floor plan of an existing ground-level house, featuring a detailed layout with labeled rooms, furniture placement, and clear indications of doors, windows, and staircases, presented in a high-contrast monochrome design for easy readability and professional use.

Solution

The particular shape of the house offered a radical option – rather than add a large but conventional extension that might look like it was overwhelming the original building, we decided to do something different.

From the front, we would be mirroring the design of what was there at the moment, creating something that was pleasingly symmetrical. What would happen on the inside would be a complete transformation, but on the outside, it would look completely at home in the neighbourhood. That is how we were able to convince the planning officers that a two-storey extension design wouldn’t be over-development or have a detrimental effect on the street scene and general character of the area.

The stylish design concept helped our clients secure planning permission for their extension and doubled the size of their property, going from a standard 79sqm to a gigantic 172sqm for family leisure activities. The bedrooms were fully renovated and equipped with en-suite bathrooms, a jacuzzi and walk-in wardrobes, ideal for contemporary lifestyles.

Not only did we help them add an impressive two-storey extension to the house, we also designed an indoor swimming pool with stunning open-plan interiors. We gained approval for an outbuilding with a swimming pool and gym and added an extra 38sqm to the space, on top of the almost 100sqm internal area of the property. This outstanding large house extension is a perfect example of what can be achieved with the very best of London’s architectural expertise and innovative design.

3D architectural visualisation of a Tudor-style house with white facades and black timber frame, featuring a driveway with two cars, suggesting a blend of classic design with modern living.
Location

Campion Cottage DA5

Local Authority

Bexley Council

Plot Type

Suburban

Project Type

Extension

Accomplishment

An increase of 93 sqm

Services by Urbanist Architecture

Project Architect, Planning Consultant

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