North Oxford

major refurbishment with side, rear & roof extensions | North Oxford

This North Oxford home was built in the late 1950s.  Apart from the addition of a rear extension in the late 1960s, the house has remained unaltered – even retaining the original metal casement windows.

Our client’s had previously commissioned an architectural designer to refurbish and extend the property.  Since gaining approval, the needs of the family changed and we were engaged to explore a different design approach to reflect our clients’ new requirements.

With the new plan, we proposed to demolish the existing single-storey garage.  This made way for a two-storey side extension,  a replacement of the roof structure with a steeper pitch to create a master bedroom suite in the roof space, and a single-storey rear extension. Coming forward of the existing dwelling, a new entrance door and screen provides access into an enlarged hallway.  We were able to create a dramatic double-height space, providing natural light right into the heart of the house.

Externally, the proposed changes challenged the accepted norm in the locality, particularly the enlarged roof space. By working closely with the planning officer we were able to ensure the proposal was clear and met the Council’s stringent design expectations.

Our clients self-built the project with our help on the odd occasion through the construction phase. The resultant refurbishment and transformation from a cold and draughty house into a home fit for the needs of a modern family is truly astonishing.

photography by Eleanor Walpole Photography