The Brief – the initial brief was to remodel and extend the existing outdated bungalow to form a contemporary family home close to Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth.   The existing property was a single storey 1970’s bungalow with white rendered walls, Upvc windows and concrete interlocking tiles on the roof set within a large plot. The bungalow was purchased as a family home in 2017 from the previous owners who owned it since 1980. It soon became apparent that the dated property not only needed renovating and upgrading but also re-modelling as well as extending.   The family wanted to tailor the property and extension to meet their needs in both layout and design to provide a modern, light and airy family home. 

 

 The original brief by the client was fairly extensive and challenging;

• to completely transform the external appearance of the existing 1970’s bungalow by creating an architecturally interesting family home that would sit harmoniously and be sympathetic to its surroundings.

• to re-design the bungalow in a cost-effective way to maximise the floor plan and provide additional headroom at the first floor level.  

• to upgrade and modernise the existing fabric of the building with high levels of insulation.

• to replace the existing artificial external materials with high quality, natural materials.

• to extend the property to form a well-proportioned family sized lounge, well linked to the surrounding garden at ground level, and to to form a light and airy Master Bedroom with ensuite and dressing area at first floor with views out to the sea.

• to provide privacy from the neighbouring properties whilst opening up the views as well as introducing natural light into the house with well designed glazing.

• To provide accessible storage but also a loft space for infrequently used items.

• to form a private patio space linked to the internal living area.

 

 

The Design –  The proposed design would provide a well-proportioned, contemporary family home and by re-using much of the original structure would also importantly be cost effective.   The design was born out of the need to produce a sustainable low energy property and extension. Careful consideration has been given to the impact of the proposed scheme and the over-riding approach was to design a sustainable and low maintenance home that would form a positive contribution to the locality within the residential area of Falmouth. 

 

The proposed design aims to transform and enhance the existing property whilst also acknowledging the original design.  The replacement roof has been designed with only a minimal increase in height to open up the useable first floor internally.  Zinc clad box dormer windows built into the roof provide a contemporary twist to the design whilst also linking back to the original dormer windows of the 1960’s bungalow.  The pitched roofs covering the existing single storey elements to the front of the property will be replaced with a contemporary flat roof with zinc detailing to match the dormers whilst a small infill entrance porch will be added with natural stone cladding. 

 

 

 

The pallet of materials are a simple blend including slate roof and high level cladding, as well natural stone all of which sit harmoniously within the local vernacular. 

 

The interior style of the house has been designed to be light and airy, with a combination of large open plan living areas as well as smaller private spaces.  The existing ground floor layout of the bungalow will remain largely unaltered, with open plan kitchen and dining area, utility, bedroom and bathroom as well as a TV Room and  Snug.  The east end of the existing property at ground level will be extended in Phase 2 of the works to form a large family living area with a fireplace and bi-fold and patio doors out to the garden and the patio for alfresco dining and entertaining.   A large easterly window opens up the views out to sea.  A small porch area to the front will be added with a bench area as well as storage for boots for coats.

 

The existing stairs will be lit from above by the glazed ridge and borrowed light will filter down to the lower ground floor.  At first floor level, the roof has been re-designed to allow for more space and height.  The layout over the existing bungalow allows for three double bedrooms, a shower room and walk – in storage.  The proposed extension will form the  Master Bedroom to include a dressing area,  ensuite and small seating area with a large, glazed corner window to open up the views.

 

In order to keep the height of the property down so it does not dominate the site, the first floor is built into the roof with restricted headroom at the eaves.  However, this is compensated for by the internal vaulted ceilings open full height to the ridge all of which is naturally lit by the rooflights and feature glazed ridge. Contemporary box dormers have been added to the northerly bedrooms to expand the living space at first floor as well as let in more light and provide the occupants with a view out towards Falmouth.

 

Green Agenda - The fundamental principal of sustainability underlies the design of the renovation and extension to the existing house., building materials with low embodied energy, natural light via a glazed ridge and rooflights, environmentally friendly services including solar electric PV and air source heat pump,  underfloor heating backed up by a woodburner as well as efficient appliances throughout which all help to minimise the consumption of building materials and energy. 

 

Project work undertaken by CAD before construction could take place included design concept and sketch schemes, full planning and building regulations approval, construction drawings as well as  specification of works. 

 

Build Route – Self Build

 

Completion Date – On site