A cottage refurbishment
Our client called on 2hD’s advice before purchasing this three bedroom house. The property had been through a number of poorly thought-through adaptations, resulting in awkward access and underused space. After seeing our sketch ideas for an immediate refurbishment project and a future scheme to extend the property, our client went ahead with the purchase. We were able to provide an outline budget for our scheme that gave our client confidence: they knew that they could afford to buy and adapt the property — ending up with a profit should they chose to move on, or the ability to extend the house should they chose to stay.
Key to improving the quality of space and light in this scheme was the opening up of a former party wall between two cottages. Working closely with the structural engineer, we were able to design an intervention that provided maximum space and headroom within the low-ceilinged existing building. A new stair was carefully designed as a 3D jigsaw-puzzle, ensuring regulation clearances on the stair while creating a fun built-in bed in the child’s room above. Integrated storage was also custom-designed for each room, freeing up as much space as possible by making ‘stuff’ disappear.
2hD provided site supervision during the building project, checking on quality and completeness of the builder’s work, liaising with the building inspectors, keeping a tight control on variations and costs and guiding the client through some of the difficult choices that are often raised during a refurbishment project. The end result: A transformation that was on-budget but beyond expectations, and a new home which delights the client and their family.
Our key achievements in this project:
- Pre-purchase advice to the client about their future home and potential investment
- Creative use of limited space and space and light to transform the character of the house
- Tight control of costings, making best use of a limited budget
Our client, Michael Benyan, talks about his new home:
“We’re very happy with the transformation of our home — 2hD really spotted and brought out the potential of the cottage. When the project was on site, the architect continued to work closely with us and the builder to make sure we got the result we were looking for. Now we feel right at home.” Michael Benyan, client and user
- Categories
- Architecture &
Conversion - Client
- Bela & Michael Benyan
- Location
- Barley, UK
- Progress
- Completed, 2008
