Even the smallest of house extensions can have a big impact on the usability of the house. Garden Spaces was commissioned to create a modest 3m x 2.5m extension in their signature contemporary style. Their client wanted to create a small but bright room that has easy access to the garden.
The design process started with a member of the Garden Spaces team visiting their client to assess the site and to talk through the options. These visits are free and without obligation, and can be highly beneficial in researching your options. When adding an extension, of any size, consideration needs to be given as to how it will connect with the existing living spaces. In this case, it was decided that a set of French doors would lead from an existing room into the extension. Because this new room would be leading straight on to the garden, a durable laminate floor would be fitted.
Garden Spaces offer two specification levels for their buildings: the Helix and the Elegans. In this case, their customer chose the Helix specification but with Cedar cladding externally. Garden Spaces build using highly insulated SIP’s panels, and the doors and windows are double glazed uPVC.
Garden Spaces client wanted to create a light-filled room. To this end, they chose to mix a set of sliding doors with three floor to ceiling fixed windows. We particularly like the arrangement of these windows. They have mixed two wide windows with one narrow one, framing views of the garden.
This combination of doors and windows alone would ensure a light room, but Garden Spaces client also chose to incorporate a skylight in the roof. This glazing mixed with the crisp white plastered walls and the light coloured laminate floor has created a naturally light room.
The Cedar cladding and dark grey uPVC doors have created a modern looking extension which contrasts sharply with the brick of the main house. The roof has been covered with a durable EPDM membrane; this has been softened with the addition of a sedum roof covering. Sedum mats like this act like a sponge absorbing rainwater. Birds and insects love them, and they are easy to maintain. Perhaps their biggest plus is how they improve the view when looking at the extension from upstairs windows.
This project showcases how a modern new room can be created even on the smallest of footprints. This building was installed under the Permitted Development rules, so a full planning application was not required.
To learn more about creating a contemporary Cedar house extension talk to the Garden Spaces team on 0845 387 9 387 or send them an email. Take a look at the Garden Spaces website to explore more of their work.
