As part of our occasional Case Studies series we describe our recently completed project at Knivet Road in Fulham. The project is of interest as the brief is quite typical of many clients’ plans for their homes and the result has been a very successful project that met our Client’s aspirations. Knivet Road is a very typical terraced street in Fulham. Our client interviewed a number of local practices and Shape Architecture was chosen. We understand from our Client that we were successful due to our experience and quality of our portfolio and in addition the clear and competitive fee structure we offer.
Residential Extension in Fulham and the Design Ideas
The brief asked that the property be opened up, filled with light and be transformed into a contemporary home with better connection with the garden.
As with many properties of this period and the various rooms can be quite small, without a sense of flow of space and in addition a poor connection to the garden. Additionally the rear part of the house was set at a lower level by some 5 steps. All of which presented a range of possibilities.
Early sketches suggested that as soon as one opened the front door a glimpse of the kitchen and garden beyond would engender a feeling of openness and then on entering further, the kitchen dining room, would open up as a large contemporary light filled space. This was aided by the addition of a rear extension with a large format rooflight and extensive bi-fold doors onto the garden. The existing visual block of the five steps down was addressed with new steps in oak with open risers. Similarly at the upper floor level we suggested removing the ceiling to the rear of the property and opening up into a higher roof space which also then allowed rooflights to be installed and fill the space with natural light. In this way a Master Bedroom and En-suite was created.
Sketches and 3D models helped us discuss the design with our Client through the design process.
Kitchen at near completion stage
Residential Extension and the Planning Process
As a fairly standard form of development the planning process was straight forward and permission was granted.
-
- View of Kitchen from Staircase
-
- View of Staircase from Kitchen
Residential Extension and Detailed Technical Design
Following on from planning permission we moved into the detailed technical design with our Client. This involved for our part ensuring the building kept the water out and heat in. It also involves designing the lighting and electrical layout alongside the heating and the various finishes with our Client and producing a series of technical drawings to reflect this. Alongside this Shape Architecture designed a range of bespoke furniture. Our Client appointed an Interior Designer, Melinda from NV interiors with whom we collaborated. Melinda produced excellent bathroom m and kitchen layouts. A structural engineer with whom we work on many projects of this type produced a series of technical drawings on the structural design of the project.
Residential Extension and the Tender Process
With a co-ordinated technical pack Shape Architecture wrote the specification and schedule of works documents that would form the basis of the tender process. We then put the project out to competitive tender with five contractors that we know.
At the end of this process we produced a tender report and with our Client selected the preferred Contractor. Shape Architecture put the building contract in place on behalf of the Client. The project then progressed to site with Whitehall Construction as the Contractor
Residential Extension on Site
With the project underway we visited site on a regular basis and with Client and Contractor walked the site to address any issues that arose. We are also dealt with the financial side of the project on behalf of our Client and answered any questions that Building Control had.. As works progress certain key samples such as choices for light fittings and door handles etc. are brought to site and selected in-situ. Similarly colours for wall were tried out.
Front Room before floor finish installation
A Successful Project
The success of this project is due to a combination of the quality and performance of all members of the team, which includes the Contractor, underscored by the following of a clear and well proven process.
Client Testimonial
Our Client writes:
Shape designed and project managed an extension to our kitchen/diner and the renovation of the rest of our terraced house in Fulham. Jason Wren of Shape expertly guided us through planning and design stages and ran a tender to select an excellent building contractor.
As with any building project on an old building, problems and opportunities arose in the course of the work. Jason was able to provide workable and realistic solutions to the problems and helped us find creative options to take advantage of opportunities as they arose.
Jason and Shape took a pragmatic approach to the project that enabled us to feel we had designed our ideal house with his professional help. We always felt confident in the professionalism of his advice and experience.
We are glad we appointed an architect and we felt their services were an excellent investment. The result is a delightful home that we already enjoy living in.
– Mr. S Brooks
If you have a similar project in mind please do not hesitate to contact Shape Architecture
Architect: Shape Architecture Ltd
Interior Designer: NV Interiors
Structural Engineer: GSE
Contractor: Whitehall Construction