Melanie Clear, practice founder, was interviewed by Grand Designs (May issue), giving her expert opinion on the pros and cons of contemporary open-plan living.

“Open-plan is now a core part of most architectural briefs and is often the main reason clients want an extension to their home,” Melanie told Grand Designs, who reported that a recent survey by online homes website Houzz found that open-plan designs were favoured by twice as many respondents as preferred closed-plan living.

An image from Clear Architect’s recently completed project at Hill Road in Theydon Bois, Essex, was published on page 105, with the journalist noting: “This Essex home by Clear Architects illustrates the sociability of such spaces, with an island breakfast bar and more formal dining table.”

Melanie gave further advice about zoning areas of open-plan space and cautioned readers to consider privacy aspects – particularly for family homes shared with children – when designing the flow of areas within a house.

Pick up a copy of the May issue of Grand Designs and turn to page 103 for the full feature.

View all images from the converted bungalow project at Hill Road.

Find Clear Architects on the popular website, Houzz