We specialise in designing and seeking permissions for Extensions, Conversions, Renovations and Alterations to Homes and Businesses. We offer a friendly and practical, affordable service, working closely with you.
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Its almost inevitable that the biggest demographic of people I work for are families (or couples hoping to begin one soon)- if there is one group of people that almost always yearn for more space- it’ll be people with children still living at home !
Family friendly areas of the house are often a big topic of discussion and a significant motivation to extend, whether its areas specifically for the use of children, or areas in shared use rooms which provide storage or activities.
Multiuse storage and display area for toysFloor space for large scale toysPlayroom with day bed for guests
Playrooms are a common request- and it can be very useful to have a designated storage area for toys and games, and a space where messier activities can be laid out (whether that’s crafts or big scale toys like train tracks or lego creations). My own personal experience is that younger kids often want to play adjacent to where the adults are though, so don’t be surprised if toys and games are pulled out of the playroom into the shared spaces! Where possible I think its useful to have a playroom which is close to the living room or kitchen for this reason. Playrooms can also be brilliant spaces to have all those interactive areas you might have seen on instagram- mini climbing walls, blackboard walls, art stations, play teepees…
family rooms with lots of play space!
Some people like to create a snug– a smaller living room with comfy seating a big TV screen- this works as a secondary living space (for times when different family members want to be in different spaces) and as a cosy ‘cinema’ space (for times the family want to be together). It could also be a good space for older kids to have gaming equipment or to host friends- an independent space but also an area which can be low-key supervised by parents.
Easy access storage for an ever changing variety of toysFit plenty of storage which kids can use easily
Lots of families might not have space for a separate room, or want to really create a multiuse family room as part of the kitchen diner space. This often means having a sofa space, TV, toy storage in this area, and crucially- as much floor space as possible! If furniture can easily be moved around to create big areas for play or for hosting friends this helps make it a useful all purpose room. A connection to the garden for nice days- big bifolds or french doors encourage kids to float between the house and garden, and help parents keep an eye on them from the kitchen. Having plenty of easily accessible storage while help keep this area tidy and encourage them to put their things away at the end of the day- this can even be built into bench seating around your dining table, if space is short.
Multiuse playroom & study
Ageing- Your kids might be smaller now- but they won’t always be- and its worth considering how they might use this space when they’re teenagers- to host friends, create a study/home area, and how you might use it once they leave (maybe you’ll eventually make it a hobby room, or remove a partition to create a larger open plan space).
If the room can also be a useful space for adults as well as kids this is a bonus- might a sofa bed fit in for occasional guests (or sleepovers)- could a desk in the corner provide an office space for the large parts of the day your kids are at nursery/school?
Whatever your family needs are, ACHD have a myriad of experience helping you create better living spaces for everyone in your household!
There are two main roof options for extensions- pitched or flat- and lots of people ask me about the pros and cons of each- if you’re having the same debate, this post helps outline the differences!
Pitched roofs- a ‘classic’ roof style in the UK, with a sloping roof forming a triangular space over your home. These are very very common and are usually finished in concrete or terracotta tiles, though slate is also a popular choice in some areas. Most people are used to a pitched roof, so it seems like the natural choice to many. They’ll often sit comfortably with your existing house style and have a good long lifespan, requiring little maintenance in the meantime. They rely on gravity to clear water from your roof, so even as your roof starts to age you’ve got a natural advantage.
On extensions they’re usually hipped, gabled or lean to (each option has its own advantages and disadvantages and they aren’t all always suitable in each situation)
lean to gabledhipped (first floor)
Ceiling heights in pitched roofs can vary (unless you have a ceiling across it which will create a flat and continuous surface)- giving you some great height, but limiting it in other places. They tend to be a little more expensive- they can average £120-230/sq m (or £160-275 for slate), can take a little longer to construct and some people see them as the old fashioned option.
Flat Roofs- don’t always have the best reputation in the UK, but they’ve come on leaps and bounds and are very different to the felt options which used to dominate. GRP (fibreglass) and EPDM (rubber) offer better surfaces which are more resistant, last longer and are more aesthetically pleasing. These have increased the popularity of flat roof extensions in the last 10yrs.
Many people see flat roofs as the more modern, sleeker finish which help create a more minimal outline. They can also be the sensible and useful option where you have an odd shaped extension (which can happen when trying to maximise the spaces available around an existing building).
Flat roofs can be paired with flat roof windows or lanterns, which help bring light into central spaces and can offer height and drama to a room
Flat roofs are laid to a slight fall, to help water run off them, but they can be more vulnerable to wear and tear, and have a slightly shorter lifespan. They might need a little more upkeep over the years, but can be cheaper and quicker to build (£80-100/ sqm).
Whichever option you chose, rest assured that the building regulations demand an excellent level of insulation in either option, helping you minimise your heating costs and to live comfortably in your new spaces.
When designing your extension I can help you explore the best options and weigh up the specifics- looking at different designs to help you pick the most appropriate for you.
All figures are based on UK averages and may differ depending on your extension, location and access to your site.
This house in Mangotsfield had great bones- but was very dated when the current owners bought it in 2021. Their top priority was to extend and update the layout, swapping a long narrow living /dining space and a cramped kitchen for a spacious kitchen/dining/family room with great views of their lovely garden. This extra space has also created room for a new bedroom/additional reception room downstairs.
BeforeBefore
The new space is open and bright with large doors overlooking the garden space. The extension has a modern flat roof, timber cladding and a flat roof windows, offering a view of the sky and leading the eye to a full length window.
ACHD designed and sought permissions for this extension, and if you have a similar project in mind, get in touch!
This spacious 1950’s detached house had tonnes of that magic word… potential… but was in need of a refurbishment and a rethink of the layout. Full of lots of generous but separate rooms, the owners wanted to create one lovely social space, a larger kitchen and a bigger utility. The house is relatively wide, giving us lots of options to explore.
The Befores!
This project ran through covid so its taken a little while to come to fruition, but it was so worth the wait. We created a one storey rear extension, with a flat roof and roof windows, hidden behind a parapet giving it a super crisp and modern look.
The owners were enthusiastic to have some special windows overlooking their lovely garden, and we explored options together, eventually opting for a corner bi folding window creating a beautiful window seat. At the end of the kitchen, this creates the perfect perching spot.
The footprint of the extension is an unusual stepped design, breaking the wide facade into three sections which are gradually set back from one another. The materials also accentuate this, balancing render against horizontal timber cladding.
The owners have chosen some beautiful outdoor tiling, creating a seamless indoor and outdoor flow, had a rendered raised bed built to enclose the patio area, and installed downlighters which make the extension look amazing during the day and night.
We worked throughout this project to help design and gain the relevant planning and building regulations permissions. If you’ve got a similar project in mind, we offer free initial consultations so you can talk through your ideas in person.
This 1960s chalet house was severely in need of an refresh and a little bit of love. While structurally sound it was very dated and the concrete garage was falling down. The new owners engaged ACHD to help design and plan the extension and refurbishment.
Time was of the essence and the owners wanted to use their permitted development rights to create as much as they could- a 3m rear extension along with a really generous garage in the back garden.
We added a 3m rear extension with a modern flat roof, huge roof lantern, and full width bifolds, knocking through to create a massive kitchen/diner.
The L shaped kitchen area houses a huge island with a very elegant pop up extractor, and a brilliant hidden corner larder. The room is very bright and opens onto a large patio.
The living room has been fully updated into a very comfortable space, the stair case has been transformed and the downstairs bathroom also received a lovely revamp.
Upstairs, the rooms have been rearranged to create an ensuite & walk through wardrobe whilst retaining 3 good sized bedrooms, all by reconsidering the existing layout.
Finally, a full width garage has been added to the rear garden- this is a neat and slick workshop and store with a large roller door- all built under Permitted Development avoiding the need for full planning permission. The garage is a multipurpose space which could at a later date become a large home office, gym, play room, guest annexe or would suit any manner of hobbies.
For more information on this build or how you might extend your home please contact me and receive a free initial consultation- 07867 592195 info@alexandracork.co.uk
The answer to this might seem obvious- to add more space! But there are a number of motivators to your decision to extend and they can significantly impact how and what you build. A clear understanding of how you see your extension and your future in the property is a really vital insight which is helpful to best guide you through the design options and process.
There are four main motivations for extending-
You’re creating your forever (or for-a-good-while) home– The most romantic- you’re got a house you love, in a place you love and you want to stay there for a long time. This is a home for you (and often your family & pets) and its got to suit your needs, even where they might be a bit niche. You want it to work best for you, for your future and for people who might visit you on a regular basis. Its crucial to think about how you might best use the house now, but also how your needs might change in 5, 10 or 15yrs time- because let’s face it, kids grow up, parents grow old. You might have a hobby or business taking up space (or might envisage having one in the future), you might have particular pieces of furniture or art you want to house- its all about what you want.
Stop Gap– this house is yours… for now. You imagine staying for another 2/ 3/5 yrs, but probably not forever, so you need to make some changes for the short term. This requires some compromises and considering what will help you stay for a bit longer until you’re ready to make a move somewhere else. Is there are particular aspect that falls short? Balancing your needs against future resale potential is really important.
You’re not sure… but this kitchen drives you mad! You’re open minded about the future but one (or more) aspects of the house need to change. Maybe the bathroom is too small or you’ve got another baby on the way or you both work from home now. Improving this particular aspect of your home is the overriding motivation.
You want to add value– your home has that overused word- potential! You want to improve it primarily to increase its worth. And it can be incredibly worthwhile- According to a survey by NAEA Propertymark adding a bedroom is the most valuable way of doing this- potentially adding 20% value to your home. Extending and refurbishing your kitchen can add 15-20% and both hugely increase saleability. Your priorities will be different- trying to design to wide appeal is vital, even if it overrides your particular preferences. I’ve seen and worked with hundreds of home owners so have wide insight into what people often like. Its also important to try and keep the house balanced- adding multiple additional bedrooms without balancing the ground floor spaces won’t maximise appeal.
Whatever your reasons to want to extend, ACHD can help. We offer free initial consultations which help us discuss and explore your reasons for extending and how you might best achieve a change which works best for you.
En Suites are hugely popular additions to homes and one of the most popular projects people ask for. Adding an ensuite to a principle bedroom gives adults a child free bathroom, or adding it to a secondary bedroom offers teens or guests that valuable privacy. Wherever you put it, a second bathroom relieves pressure on the main family bathroom.
The good news is that ensuites can also add value- up to 5%- meaning you’re unlikely to be out of pocket. They can also be squeezed into a relatively small area- often as little as 2 sq m.
Its important to consider drainage arrangement, ventilation and windows, to ensure you get a cost effective and practical layout. If the new en suite can share the existing drainage this will make the project considerably easier. A window isn’t essential- but its a nice to have. Space saving fixtures and fittings are invaluable in helping in tight spaces-toilets which are less then 650mm are deemed ‘short projection’ and where every cm matters- these can really help. Cloakroom sinks are also more compact and can save valuable
If you’re wondering how you can make your en suite dreams into a reality, get in touch- we offer free initial consultations!
Your taste and needs are often not the same as the previous owners of your home, so it’s not uncommon for people to inherit an extension which doesn’t work for them. You might even have made the changes yourself and out grown them over time. The good news is that the bones are all there, waiting to be changed into your dream home- and it all makes for a much more affordable project.
This house in Winterbourne came with an uninspiring extension- there wasn’t a lack of floor space, but it was used to create a very large living room, smaller dining space which was cut off from the open plan kitchen and an extremely narrow elongated kitchen. The owners knew there was potential for a lot more!
We looked afresh at the house- and redesigned the ground floor – the existing dividing wall was removed to create a wide open plan kitchen, dining and seating space.
The owners chose to keep the steel beams exposed- which turns a functional part of the project into a design feature. The dark blue kitchen units, herringbone flooring and white marble tops create a fresh and comfortable look. The addition of rooflights pours light into the space.
The living room was reduced in size and closed off to create a snugger space- the change has made the room easier to layout and increased the sofa space because it’s no longer a transient walk through area. The existing utility area has been improved with the addition of increased insulation, and a great shower room has been added, along with a coat storage space, squeezing much more efficiency out of the available area.
The original extension had a single access door and window, and we replaced this with bifolding doors, which give a much more social and free flowing relationship with the garden- replacing the frames and fascias has modernised the appearance- the owners have also refurbished the garden to accompany the project.
No planning permission was required for this- simplifying and speeding up the process. If you have an existing extension that isn’t working for you- do get in touch!
Hello! I’m Alexandra Cork (Alex to anyone who knows me). If you choose us you get me- and only me- I’ll help you envisage, design and gain permissions for, your home design project. So if you want to get a little background on who I am and how I came to be doing this read on!
I’m based in Downend in Bristol, I’ve lived in and around Bristol for almost all my life, so I’m really familiar with it- I do most my work in South Glos, Bristol and Bath. I live with my husband and our 11yr old son in a 3 bed ex local authority terraced house- its no chocolate box cottage (!), but we really like it here so we’ve worked really hard to make it work for us, carefully considering how to get the most out of every room. In 2018 we extended it (so I’ve lived the process you’re embarking on!) https://alexandracork.wordpress.com/2018/12/10/my-house/.
I’m trained Interior Designer- I do some commercial Interior Design https://alexandracork.wordpress.com/2016/06/21/rockbeare-manor-exeter/ but most of my career has been focused on architectural design for homes. I LOVE houses- I won’t hide it, one of my favourite parts of my job is meeting you in your home and understanding how you live in it- for better and worse!
I began ACHD in 2010 while expecting my son, and after a short sabbatical following his birth, I became solely self employed in 2011. Since then, I’ve met (I’d estimate) over 900 homeowners in their houses so I’ve got real insight into the typical problems and solutions many people face. Its not always size that matters- the layout and configuration of your home is just as important.
I take on about 40 new projects a year and work with you to help you understand what you could create and then to get the necessary permissions to achieve it. They’re practical, affordable solutions to improve your home, but my interiors eye is always keen to consider how to create a flowing, attractive house.
I’m a keen maker in many ways- crafting, cooking and baking and I’m never happier than in my garden, so I’m always really keen to help you explore ways to connect your home with your outdoors!
This blog has a wealth of my previous projects (though they’re just a drop in the ocean really) that might help you start to imagine how you could alter your home, but nothing beats an in person meeting- so if you’re keen to get some one on one help during a free initial consultation – get in touch!.
Alexandra Cork - Architectural Technician, Extensions and Planning Permission on Bristol, Bath and beyond 