Reimagined 80’s extension in Walthamstow
The project involved re-looking and reconsidering the existing space to create maximum impact to the property with minimal structural changes.
Beth Brambley, owner of Samantha Close in Walthamstow, London approached James Dale Architects to help reimagine her semi-detached, 1980s home.
Her and her husband wanted to ensure that the space would continue to work for their family and support their needs.
The project involved re-looking and reconsidering the existing space to create maximum impact to the property with minimal structural changes.
What inspired the renovations to the 1980s property?
Beth Brambley explains: “We knew we wanted more space to accommodate family life, working from home being more of a norm, and for people to stay over comfortably.
After looking round a couple of houses, we realised how much we are so fond of where we live, so we’d look into what could be possible with the home we’d been in for a decade.
“I loved James’ portfolio (James Dale Architects) – the colours, materials, and creative solutions.
“The most important element for us was obtaining more space to breathe, as well as having pockets of calm.
“We also wanted ways of coming together, plus an overall house revamp, and to have somewhere that would be a sanctuary but also fun and social when that’s what is called for!”
What is the layout like in the 1980s extension?
The solution included a modest extension and reconfiguring the ground floor alongside a full refurbishment of the house.
It involved delivering an additional bedroom and office, a shower room and providing additional living space for family life.
Photo: Neil Parry
The ground floor
On the ground floor a rear extension and side extension replace the existing garage.
This has improved the functionality of the layout.
The plan has remained relatively unchanged: by taking down a non-structural wall between the kitchen and hall the space has been opened up to create a spacious and bright kitchen.
This is Beth’s favourite room of the house.
They explain: “Our favourite part of the project has to be the new big room downstairs.
“It’s a joy having a separate space for eating, lounging, working, kids craft and play.
“It’s somewhere I love to be and makes perfect sense for us.”
James agrees: “I love the main living and dining space, the materials give this space a worth and softness and light changes throughout the day. It’s a space I would design for myself.”
Cork flooring is used predominantly throughout the ground floor.
“When James (Dale, the architect) suggested cork flooring I was very on board.
“I really didn’t want any carpets and love both the warmth and texture of it, and the low maintenance element.” Beth explains.
Internally, the windows are finished with clear lacquer and the walls are left with a raw plaster finish.
This provides natural warmth and texture throughout the interior.
Photo: Neil Parry
A garden room
To create the much-needed interior bedroom, half of the side extension has been utilised to create a multi-functional garden room.
This can be used as an additional bedroom or a homeworking space, depending on the needs of the day.
The front half of the garden room has been retained as a bike store and shower room.
All of the existing chunky UPVC window frames have been replaced throughout the house.
Instead introducing modern slim line framing which has given the illusion of enlarging all of the windows without structurally having to actually alter the dimensions of the openings.
Photo: Neil Parry
A pop of colour
The windows are aluminium clad timber windows, with a clear lacquer internally, and the external aluminium are finished in striking pink.
This adds an element of fun to the exterior design, something that was very important for the owners.
“I’m a big fan of colour and we were also very steered by our then two year old, demanding pink everything.
“The light was always great at certain times of the day and year in the house so adding more windows and natural materials makes it nice and peaceful.
The bright colours give us a smile and can help to remind us being cheerful and playful in important.”
The renovations of the second floor have updated and refreshed the bedrooms and family bathroom.
While the master bedroom has been completed with calming tones, oak industrial parquet flooring, which deliver a light and perfectly tranquil space.
The central circulation space has been finished in a bright, warm yellow.
This brings further warmth into the house and almost seems to glow as daylight falls on it.
Photo: Neil Parry
Bumps in the road
The project wasn’t without a few bumps in the road, though. “The largest issue came from budget constraints as the original tender came back higher than the clients’ budget.
“Originally we had intended to extend the roof space with a loft dormer, however this section of work was removed to bring the rising construction cost in line with the original budget.
“However, the trickiest element was obtaining the planning approval.
“The council had fixed views how these properties should be extended, but through careful discussion with the case officer we were able to produce the build design and get it approved.”
Overall, the Brambley’s are very happy with the end result.
“We were in very safe hands and knew that, but these things are always quite a stressful time as there were some delayed due to the weather and shipping delays for materials. All is forgotten now we’re settled in though!”
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