When our clients approached us about their existing house, they faced a dilemma familiar to many homeowners: should they refurbish and extend their current home, or start afresh with a new build?
The answer wasn't immediately obvious, and making the wrong decision could have cost them significantly in both time and money. This is where proper initial assessment becomes invaluable. Rather than rushing into a solution, we conducted comprehensive investigations and a detailed feasibility study to understand exactly what they were working with.
The findings were revealing: the existing house had shallow foundations that would require significant underpinning, the building suffered from poor natural light due to its orientation and window placement, and perhaps most critically, the cost review showed that refurbishing and extending would be just as expensive as building a new house from scratch.
Armed with these evidence-based assessments, the decision became clear. A new build would not only match the cost of renovation but would deliver far superior results.
The new home with its improved orientation, receives natural light throughout the day in every room, transforming what was once a dark, poorly lit house into a bright, uplifting home.
Without the constraints of existing structures, the thermal performance could be designed to modern standards from the ground up, creating a more comfortable, energy-efficient home that's healthier for both the family and the environment.
The exterior showcases a thoughtful blend of contemporary and traditional aesthetics – rendered walls and exposed brick, pitched roofs and dormer windows that reference local architectural heritage, but with proportions and detailing that feel fresh and current rather than pastiche.
The rear elevation reveals the project's contemporary heart: expansive Crittall-style steel-framed glazing creates a dramatic connection between interior and exterior, flooding the living spaces with natural light while offering uninterrupted views of the garden.
The result is a home that feels both generous and intimate, where family members can be together or find their own space as needed. The ground floor is anchored by a fantastic open-plan kitchen with dedicated dining and sitting areas. Clever storage solutions include a fabulous wine store, (we all want one here!) And upstairs there is now space and privacy for the family and their guests.
Before proposing any solution, we conduct proper site assessments, feasibility studies, and cost reviews to understand what's actually possible and advisable. This thorough investigation process ensures clients invest their money wisely, whether that means refurbishing, extending, or as in this case, building new.
This residence demonstrates that when you start with the right question, "What's the best solution for this family and this site?" rather than assuming the answer, you arrive at outcomes that truly serve the client's needs. From that initial question, "Should we refurbish or rebuild?" to the finished home, the project shows what becomes possible when architectural expertise, thorough investigation, and client vision align. It's a home that will serve this family beautifully for generations to come.