Barnet architects | House extension green renovation.
Sustainable design and renovation of a single storey bungalow dwelling. Rear extension, external and internal alterations to a detached single family bungalow dwelling at Arnos Grove, Barnet N11.
AREA AND CONTEXT.
Single storey detached bungalow property located within a residential street mainly compromising of semi-detached and detached dwellings houses.
The site is not located within a Conservation Area and the host property is not a Listed Building.
DESIGN MATTERS.
As part of our proposals for this bungalow house extension and green renovation we looked to remove parts of the property that were later additions to this bungalow, to work with the original building, and extend it in a way that created separate volumes to blend with the surrounding garden areas and well-defined internal spaces that open to the garden.
At the rear we proposed to extend the existing low rear volume at the same height and proportions further into the garden. At the other side of the property we proposed to retain a generous landscaped terrace to the master bedroom and add a single pitched roof extension that follows the line of the existing main roof of the host building and sits lower than the existing main roof volume in a sub-ordinate way.
It is a combination of traditional and contemporary roof typologies that retain a dialogue and common pitch angles, proportions and geometry. There is a chimney proposed at the interface of these two roof profiles.
A floating decked area, that steps away from the boundary, connects the front and rear of the property and a decked terrace at the rear steps down to the garden level.
This floating side decked area follows the line of the existing side passage on one side. On the other side (facing a private road) we proposed the demolition of the later-added building volume to create access from front-to-back of the property through this floating decked area.
At the front of the property we proposed the removal of the existing column + porch structure and replacing it with an aluminium framed + polycarbonate roofing canopy. A retractable pergola is proposed for the rear of the property.
Our proposals were in-keeping with the character of the host building and of the terrace as well while at the same time they create a considered architectural composition that adds contemporary elements to the original fabric of the host building.
The extension does not affect the amenity of the adjacent properties and we did not alter the access around the front of the building or the access to the property in general.
Architectural services: For this house extension and renovation project in Hammersmith we provided the following services. Initial home consultation and architect advice, measured survey and production of a set of drawings as existing, planning stage design and obtaining planning approval, preparation of technical Building Regulations stage information and obtaining Building Regulations approval, support during the construction stage.
This project sits within the wider context of our work as Barnet residential architects, helping homeowners judge what is likely to work before committing to a design direction.
HOUSE EXTENSION AND GREEN RENOVATION – SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS.
- Complete re-wiring and re-plumbing throughout
- External timber cladding
- External wall insulation added in stages
- Rainwater harvesting system
- New green roof
- Roof replacement and new insultation at ceiling level
- New Air source Heat pump
- New high performance aluminium glazing
- New Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system
If you live in a traditional home see how we can help you upgrade your older London home properly for comfort and performance.
PLANNING MATTERS.
“The proposed single storey rear extension would have a maximum depth of 4m from the original rear wall of the dwelling and would therefore comply with the above-mentioned guidance.
Single storey rear extension with heights over 4m is a reoccurring theme of properties along this stretch due to the sloping of the land, single storey rear extensions are a predominant character within the street. The amended size in depth proposed at the host property would appear subordinate to the existing property.
The amended roof element which is connected to the main house. It is considered that the proposal would not result in detrimental harm to the character and appearance of the host property and surrounding area.
The partial finishes will match the exiting, The other partial finish is proposed to be charred timber vertical cladding do not exist within the immediate vicinity of the application site, however the site is not within a conservation area.
Aesthetically, it is the officers option that there colours will not cause any adverse impacts to the area, thus the proposed materials are considered to be minor in the context of the overall scheme.
The details of the materials that have been provided are considered to be acceptable and will ensure a satisfactory appearance to the development.
Conclusion
Having taken all material considerations into account, it is considered that subject to compliance with the attached conditions, the proposed development would have an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the application site, the street scene and the locality.
The development is not considered to have an adverse impact on the amenities of neighbouring occupiers. This application is therefore recommended for approval.”
Bits and pieces
- Client – Private
- Location – Arnos Grove, Barnet, N11
- Currently – Completed in Spring 2024.
- Barnet architectural and planning services – GOAStudio architects
- Photography – Darren Chung
The architect’s perspective.
This was a tough nut to crack. We didn’t leave a stone unturned.
• Pitched roofs. Flat roofs. Combinations of roof shapes and profiles.
• Asymmetrical roofs and symmetrical roofs.
• Courtyard layouts.
• Stepped level layouts.
• Glazed links and double height internal spaces.
• Reception areas around duel aspect fireplaces.
• Corner hanging fireplaces and high level glazing.
• Zinc. Timber. Terrazzo. Polished concrete.
• Side living wall green screens for privacy. Internal raised seating areas.
• Internal balconies and internal openable partitions.
• Suspended off the ground timber post + decking footpaths with chain balustrades.
Most of the above did not make the cut and by the time we had obtained the final planning approval (for Option 15.2) the proposals included a gentle extension of the existing pitched roof (same height, pitch and materials) and a reworking and enlargement of the existing flat roof volume and a generous reorganisation of the new and old internal spaces.
In fact, we managed to obtain approval for a much larger addition than one would expect to get approval for according to the current planning policy.
We successfully made the argument that our proposals were in-keeping with the character of the original bungalow while there was no impact to the neighbours and to the adjacent properties.
One of the skills you need to have as an architect is an ability to “read a room”, so to speak.
You need to be able to understand the existing dwelling in its context and you need to really understand the relevant planning policy and how planners tend to apply it.
With this information in hand you are able to be creative and design something that fits its actual and planning context, and design something that maximises potential.
When you do this correctly then you can maximise how much space you add to a property and you are able to create something unique too for the house and for the homeowners.
Sustainability was at the heart of everything we did, from Option 01 to Option 15.2, for this house extension and green renovation project.
We wanted to reuse the existing bungalow house as much as possible and this was an instant win.
The existing fabric was dated and it needed repair, insulation had to be added to existing walls and ceilings, all the windows and glazing replaced, rewiring, replumbing, replastering, re-everything basically. It was important that we got the basics right before we went too far with this green renovation project.
The homeowners were interested in air source heat pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. During the design development stage we considered various internal and external materials.
Some of the decisions were left until after we received cost estimates from builders and the homeowners went out of their way to ensure they included everything that could fit in their budget, sometimes above their budget when they fell in love with something important to them.
The project reflects the homeowners to a very large degree if I am honest. It reflects their priorities, likes, lifestyle choices and what is important to them. As an architect your job is to “do design” apparently, and yes you do a lot of that as an architect.
But as an architect you also focus on discovery and facilitation.
Discovering what is important to the Client, and facilitating its realisation through means of design, through pushing and pulling to test ideas, through using hard design and project management skills, principles and experience to achieve what the Client wants.
This is very true for every single project. At the same time, I think this is even more true for this project. The homeowners. Everything goes back to the beginning (credit: The Bridge.)
GREEN ROOF
CHARRED VERTICAL TIMBER CLADDING
AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP
For more information about the Barnet planning department, policies and requirements please click the link above to be re-directed to the Barnet Council website.
Name and origin
The borough of Barnet contains plenty of Barnets — High Barnet, Chipping Barnet, Friern Barnet, New Barnet… All derive their names from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘bærnet’, which suggests the clearing of woodland by burning. It was first recorded as Barneto in 1070. [Londonist.com]
Barnet planning department
You will probably need planning permission if you want to build something new, make a major change to your home – e.g. building an extension, or change the use of your property. There are different rules depending on what you want to do and the relevant planning policy that applies to your property. At GOAStudio, your Barnet residential architect, we have a proud record of dealing with the local authority planners and building control inspectors and we are on hand to assist with your application and successfully handle every stage of your project.
Read our guide for your bungalow extension
Whether you need more natural light, better connection to your garden, or a flexible new bedroom or workspace, a carefully designed bungalow extension can help you stay rooted in the area you love while improving comfort levels and the layout of your home for the long term.
For inspiration and ideas see below some of our other residential projects in Barnet.
N2 East Finchley, Hampstead Garden Suburb, N3 Church End, Finchley, N10 Muswell Hill, N11 Brunswick Park, Friern Barnet, N12 North Finchley, Woodside Park, N14 Southgate, N20 Totteridge, Whetstone, NW2 Cricklewood, NW4 Brent Cross, Hendon, NW7 Mill Hill, NW9 Colindale, The Hyde, NW11 Golders Green, Hampstead Garden Suburb
For similar projects to this house extension and green renovation project in Barnet see the following residential design guides.
Considering similar changes to an older home? Explore GOAStudio’s residential projects across North London.
HOME DESIGN – Find ideas for your project.
- Side extensions London residential guide
- Rear extensions London residential guide
- Kitchen extensions London residential guide
- Roof extensions London residential guide
- Residential renovations London guide
- Mansard roof extensions London residential guide
- Contemporary extensions London residential guide
- Flat extensions London residential guide
- Garden flat extensions London residential guide
- House extensions London residential guide
ARCHITECTURAL PLANS
We have prepared a guide on the type of Architectural plans you will need for your home project, and a guide specifically for Terraced house extension plans with advice on detached and semi-detached properties.
BOROUGH SPECIFIC ARCHITECT AND PLANNING GUIDES FOR YOUR HOME PROJECT
Your local Council will have in place design and planning requirements for your home project and you will need to obtain planning approval for a wide range of extensions and alterations to your property.
When you get in touch we will offer you detailed advice about what is likely that your Council will approve and in the meantime we have prepared the following architectural and planning guides that include extracts of the relevant planning policy and examples of our projects in our Borough.
Barnet architects | Planning and design homeowner guide, Camden residential architect and planning guide, Enfield residential architect and planning guide, Hackney residential architect and planning guide, Hammersmith Fulham residential architect and planning guide, Haringey architects | Planning and design homeowner guide and planning guide, Islington residential architect and planning guide, Kensington and Chelsea Conservation architects, residential and planning guide, Lambeth residential architect and planning guide, Lewisham residential architect and planning guide, Newham residential architect and planning guide, Tower Hamlets residential architect and planning guide, Waltham Forest residential architect and planning guide, Wandsworth residential architect and planning guide, Westminster residential architect and planning guide
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Not sure where to start with your renovation or extension?
Read this before you meet an architect, speak to a builder or spend money on drawings.
This free, architect-prepared guide walks you through the 15 essential questions every homeowner should ask before starting a project.
"Should we renovate, extend… or walk away?
15 Questions every London homeowner must ask before starting a project to include homes in Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings."
Whether you're planning a modest rear extension or major alterations to a listed home, it will help you avoid expensive mistakes and give you clarity on what’s possible for your property. Includes guidance on:
Planning approvals. Conservation areas.
Timelines and costs. Appointments you need to make.
Design and sustainability options.
When to press ahead and when to walk away
We provide architectural services for residential projects in the following London Boroughs:
Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
We specialise in
- Greener homes
- Retrofit and energy efficiency for older and traditional buildings
- Conservation areas
- Listed Buildings
- Homeowner architectural services
- Property developments architectural services
GOAStudio London residential architecture limited.
86-90 Paul Street, EC2A 4NE, Hackney
Chestnut Avenue South, E17 9EJ, Waltham Forest
t: 0203 984 3005
