Extended period house with bi-fold doors in Cheadle, Stockport

• Architect: Mark Whitfield (design, technical drawings, building regulations, construction support)
• Construction: David Butterworth

This semi-detached property had a large garden which was not benefiting from a favourable connection to the house. 

The main building had an ‘off-shot’ kitchen at the rear (originally built as a wash-house and for storing coals). It had not been altered since the early 1960s, aside from the addition of a UPVC porch during the 1990s. It was very cold and suffered with mould due to its single-brick construction, concrete floor and lack of insulation.

Also, as the kitchen was not full-width, it also created a dark patio area outside the rear reception room, which had an outdated single aluminium double-glazed French door offering a restricted view of the large garden (and limited access to it).

The existing kitchen needed to be removed and replaced with a new extension that maximised enjoyment of the garden, with regard to both view and access. 

The extension had to meet building regulations and link well with the rest of the house, particularly the living areas, while offering lots of natural light to avoid dark areas.

A new central heating system was also required, with a new location for the boiler (formerly in the kitchen) and numerous radiators; and also modernisation of the first-floor bathroom and toilet, which were separate.

We created a design that was contemporary yet sensitive to the style of the original building, including:

• An extension which linked smoothly with the rest of the original house, including a kitchen and family space with easy access to both the garden and living areas
• Bi-folding doors providing a view into the garden from many angles on the ground floor
• French doors creating a corner aspect on to the garden, to be used as daily access to the garden and garage
• Additional light through three skylights, which were sourced especially for a low-pitched roof (in line with building regulations) – made by Fakro
  
• Substantial insulation within the floor, roof and all walls, for energy efficiency (and to meet building regulations)
• Redland Regent roof tiles to match the colour of the original house, but technically suitable for a low-pitched roof and use with the chosen skylights (to meet building regulations)

• Partial removal of the wall between the two reception rooms, to allow more light into the rear room and create a sense of space
• Enough of the old walls left in place to create a ‘snug’-style lounge, with fireplaces exposed and new black limestone hearths (one containing a new lintel and log burner)
• Full removal of the wall between the morning room and former kitchen, to create a more useful space with a favourable view of the garden
• A kitchen cooking area screened from the living area, with a worktop extending into a large breakfast bar in the extension, doubling as a preparation space and fully accessible table 
• A reconfigured first-floor bathroom, removing the wall which separated the toilet and allowing space for the new boiler within an airing cupboard; plus a bath, separate shower and basin
• Reconfiguration of doors throughout to improve flow through the building

The house’s ground floor has been transformed into a light, open space that is also cosy where needed, particularly in the lounge area. There is both a formal dining space at the front of the living space; and a breakfast bar for more casual dining, which can seat at least four people.

The view of the large garden has been maximised by bi-folding doors and side-aspect French doors, without any loss of heat thanks to strategic heating and substantial insulation. Access to the garden is generous from both living space and kitchen, which also link seamlessly together while still feeling like separate zones.

The bathroom is hugely improved with both a bath and separate shower; and provides a more convenient location for the boiler (previously housed in the old kitchen).

All improvements have been achieved within the realm of permitted development, with full adherence to building regulations, including structural safety, energy efficiency, use of materials, electrical installation, heating installation and chimney alterations for the log burner. This was imperative for safety and legality; and also in case the property is offered for sale in future.