Extension and alterations to Late Georgian Dwelling, Dedham, Essex

Appointment : RIBA stage 0-4

Brief

After moving to the property in 2019 the applicant approached us with a brief. There were 6 elements to their brief to which we have responded to in the proposed design. These were: 

·       Improve circulation between the main reception rooms, at the front of the house, and the kitchen and ancillary rooms to the rear. 

·       Remove the poor quality conservatory at the rear and provide a larger replacement extension to the kitchen to provide a well appointed kitchen and dinning area that links with the rest of the house and connects with the gardens to the north. 

·       Rationalise and improve level changes between the kitchen, utility and single storey rooms to the rear – to improve flow and accessibility between the rooms. 

·       Provide a more definite back door entrance with a defined route to it to replace the three existing back doors, which are in close proximity to each other and cause confusion. 

·       Provide a better quality replacement garden room to the front of the house and improve thermal regulation. 

·       Drop the cills of the three sash windows by one pane, in the west facing bay window, so that users can see the principle westerly aspect whilst sitting. 

Having examined the existing building and undertaken several sketch proposals we have resolved the ground floor plan and elevations to meet the applicant’s brief. The aesthetic intent was to provide a contemporary single storey extension, using traditional features, proportions and materials to harmonise with the existing, elegant, proportions of the late Georgian property. 

Removal of low-quality garden rooms, alterations to the building at the rear, and their replacement with a better quality, well proportioned, extension provides a harmonious rear elevation which is in keeping with the existing property. The re-defined, back entrance sequence withs large doors on to the new terrace provide better circulation and forge better connection with the rear gardens.