Side & Rear Extension Near Wymondham

When my clients purchased this property near Wymondham, they immediately recognised its potential. Although full of character, the existing house was relatively small and in a poor state of repair, requiring extensive modernisation to bring it up to today’s living standards. Their vision was to transform the property into a spacious, comfortable family home while retaining the charm and architectural character that had originally attracted them to it.

From our first meeting, it was clear that creating additional living space was a priority. The existing layout felt cramped and disconnected, so my brief was not only to extend the property but also to improve the overall flow between rooms. At the same time, the house required significant thermal upgrades to improve energy efficiency and ensure it met modern Building Regulations without compromising its traditional appearance.

The design centred around a sympathetic side extension that complemented the historic style of the original building. Careful consideration was given to the proportions, rooflines and external materials so that the new addition blended seamlessly with the existing house. My aim was for the extension to feel as though it had always been part of the property rather than appearing as a later addition.

To the rear of the house, there was greater opportunity to introduce more contemporary design features without affecting the character of the street scene. This allowed me to create a modern rear extension incorporating a flat roof and large bi-folding doors that flood the new living space with natural light while providing a strong connection to the garden. The contrast between the traditional front elevation and the contemporary rear creates a home that respects its heritage while embracing modern family living.

Alongside the extensions, I also designed a detached double garage to complement the overall development. Matching facing materials and careful detailing ensured the garage sat comfortably within the site and appeared as an integral part of the property rather than a separate outbuilding.

Throughout the project, I worked closely with my clients to ensure every aspect of the design reflected the way they wanted to live. The result is a home that offers significantly more space, improved functionality and greatly enhanced energy performance, while still retaining the character and charm of the original dwelling.

This project demonstrates my approach to architectural design—respecting the existing building, listening carefully to my clients’ aspirations and creating practical, attractive spaces that enhance everyday living for years to come.

Watton Wood-Clad Extension

This project involved the sensitive extension of a Grade II Listed property in Watton, where any proposed works required both Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission. Working within these constraints, I approached the design with care, ensuring that meaningful improvements could be achieved while respecting the historic significance of the original building.

The existing rear elevation offered little in terms of light or connection to the garden, featuring a small, awkwardly positioned porch and very few openings. My clients’ brief was clear: they wanted to extend the ground floor accommodation to create a brighter, more open living space with improved access to the rear garden.

I designed a contemporary rear extension that transforms the way the home is experienced internally. At its heart is a spacious kitchen and dining area, designed with an open vaulted ceiling to enhance volume and natural light. This simple intervention creates a dramatic sense of space while improving the flow between the interior and the garden beyond.

Given the listed status of the building, the Conservation Officer was keen that the extension should read as a clear contrast to the historic fabric. In response, I deliberately adopted a modern construction approach, using a timber frame structure finished in vertical larch cladding. Left in its natural state, the timber will weather over time, allowing the extension to settle softly into its surroundings while still remaining legible as a later addition.

The material palette was carefully considered to balance contemporary design with sensitivity to the existing building. Natural clay roof pantiles were used to tie the extension into the wider context, while conservation roof lights provide discreet daylighting without disrupting the roofscape. Bespoke flush-fitting timber casement windows were designed to maintain a clean, refined aesthetic, and zinc rainwater goods were selected for their durability and understated appearance.

The result is a confident yet respectful addition that enhances everyday living while clearly distinguishing old from new. This project reflects my approach to listed building work—finding opportunities for thoughtful modern intervention that improve functionality and comfort, while preserving the character and integrity of the original structure.

Garboldisham Porch Extension

This project involved the remodelling and extension of an existing front porch on a property in Garboldisham. When my clients moved into the house, they quickly identified that the original porch was poorly performing—overheating significantly in the summer due to excessive glazing, while becoming uncomfortably cold during the winter months.

Their brief was twofold: to create a more usable, thermally comfortable entrance space, and to improve the outlook from the first-floor landing, which previously lacked any meaningful connection to the surrounding landscape. The property sits opposite open farm fields, and there was a clear opportunity to take advantage of these views.

The design was carefully developed around the constraints of the site. Due to a sharp drop in ground level and the presence of historic flint boundary walls, the extension needed to remain within a similar footprint to the existing porch. However, by carefully reworking the proportions, I was able to increase the height of the structure, allowing for an improved sense of space and enabling a much better visual connection from the first floor.

To achieve the necessary structural stability and allow for the increased glazing height, I introduced an engineered steel frame. This provided the rigidity required while maintaining a relatively slim and elegant structural profile.

The new enclosure uses high-performance glazing, significantly improving thermal efficiency compared to the original porch. This, combined with a well-insulated solid roof, ensures the space can now be enjoyed comfortably throughout the year, regardless of external conditions.

Although glazing remains an important feature of the design, the overall appearance has been carefully balanced to ensure it sits comfortably within its rural setting. Matching clay pantiles were used on the roof, while black stained timber cladding to the gable end and black-framed joinery help ground the extension visually and tie it back to the existing building.

The result is a refined and practical porch extension that resolves the original comfort issues while enhancing both the usability of the entrance space and the relationship between the house and the surrounding landscape. This project reflects my approach to small-scale interventions—carefully considered, technically resolved, and always sensitive to context.

Single Storey Extension (near Dereham)

This project involved the design of a single-storey rear extension to a family home near Dereham. My client’s brief was to create a flexible space that could initially function as a playroom for young children, but which could easily adapt over time into a sunroom or day room as the family’s needs evolved.

From the outset, I focused on creating a simple, well-proportioned form that would sit comfortably alongside the existing dwelling. A lean-to roof was adopted, helping the extension naturally harmonise with the original building while keeping the overall massing understated and appropriate to its domestic setting.

A key design feature is the raised brick parapet at the gable ends. This detail not only adds visual interest to the roofline but also helps to improve the proportion of the elevation. It allows the tall gable window to sit as high as possible within the available space, preventing it from feeling constrained and instead giving it a more intentional architectural presence.

Natural light was a central consideration throughout the design. Generous areas of glazing were introduced to create a bright and welcoming internal environment. The tall gable window, with its arched head, forms a focal point within the space and draws light deep into the room. This curved glazing element extends into the vaulted ceiling, enhancing the sense of height and openness and creating a particularly pleasant reading area beneath.

Material selection was carefully considered to ensure the extension complemented the existing house. Soft red brickwork and traditional clay pantiles were chosen to match and reinforce the established character of the property, allowing the new addition to blend seamlessly with its surroundings.

The windows were designed as bespoke timber units with flush-fitting cottage-style casements. While closely referencing the existing joinery details of the house, they incorporate modern double glazing to improve thermal performance and reduce heat loss, ensuring the space is comfortable and energy efficient throughout the year.

The result is a simple yet carefully detailed extension that enhances everyday family living while respecting the character of the original dwelling. It provides a bright, adaptable space that will continue to serve the household well as their needs change over time.