We were appointed to develop this detached property at the start of 2024 to remodel and renovate it to meet the clients’ needs and lifestyle better. Apparently, we were chosen as the client felt that we understood their vision for the property and would ‘hold their hand’ through the process.
We strive to make things as simple as possible for all clients but the idea of guiding people throughout a project is especially important with a domestic scheme as people will often not have done anything like this before. Plus, it’s their home and we feel we have a huge responsibility to get it just as they envisage it.
The project is not finished, but we thought it would be interesting to provide a progress review to show how things are shaping up.
We have agreed two phases of work, split by floor. Phase 1 is the first floor, which includes the kitchen/living/dining space. Phase 2 will be the ground floor garage and entrance space.
The primary objective for the phase 1 first floor area is to open things up more, but with some clever tricks to create some separation and privacy in key areas. The original layout consisted of rooms coming off a long corridor, which the client felt was too segregated and there were areas that weren’t being used to their full potential, including a study, a storage cupboard, and a WC.
Our solution consists of an open plan kitchen area with an island unit, relaxed seating, storage, and a pantry. We’ve created some subtle room separation by using slatted fins, which also direct light.
We’ve repurposed the unused cupboard and taken in some outdoor storage space to create an en suite for the master bedroom and the old study has been made into a snug area for relaxing and working. The existing office space is now an open plan area for living and dining with a slatted divide and low segregation methods.
We’ve also included strategies for improving and managing light, such as replacing the existing windows with new long, slotted windows and a counter height window in the kitchen, which also maximises the view. Where we have kept the dining and living areas separate, we’ve still specified a glass door to allow for light flow and soften the division between the rooms.
Having signed off the phase 1 proposals, we’re now working with the client to create designs for the ground floor. We’ll bring news of that when it’s finalised.
If remodelling and repurposing an existing property with a custom design is something you’re interested in, why not speak to Megan Jones, who has been the lead on this project and getting some great feedback from the client. You can contact her on 01484 424008 or email megan@farrarbamforth.co.uk.
