Home renovation is big business, with the average family spending at least £1,700 a year on improvements.  The main criteria; modernise and improve living space. Grand Designs‘ April issue looks at several refurbishment projects, including our quirky scheme in Essex, Ducketts Mead.

A rare example of iconic 1960s design, this linear bungalow sits on stilts on a flood plain. It required reconfiguration of the internal floor plan, plus an extension to provide more usable family space. The owners were keen to retain the period detail, so alterations needed to be sympathetic to the original architecture, but with some contemporary overtones. These included the new corner-glazed extension with poured concrete flooring inside and out, which perfectly integrates the house with the garden.

“Understanding the site, as well as the existing building, is the key to a good refurbishment. When starting any renovation, it’s important to have an appreciation of how much things cost from an early point in the process. If a client has a fixed budget in mind, it is important they realise that sacrifices may need to be made to certain elements of the design to ensure their budget is maintained.” James Mors, Clear Architects

The finished project is unique, the existing concrete cladding has been replaced with stained pine and new picture windows add light. The extension, clad with a Porcelanosa feature stone provides a modern edge whilst retaining the feel of the original building. The remodelled first floor offers lovely views across the garden, whilst inside brown, grey and cream tones echo the exterior as does the wonderful ’60s-style furniture.

To see more details on this project click here