This client, a young couple wanting to create a family home, came to Syndicate West having bought a mid century property in Upper Walthamstow that required a complete renovation. The client could only afford a ground floor makeover and simple rear extension. Knowing that they wanted to stay in the house long term, we suggested a novel approach.
We could see that the house had masses of potential, so we proposed a phased feasibility study, which would include plans for what we called ‘Small’, ‘Medium’, ‘Large’ and ‘Extra Large’ works. The client agreed. We began by designing the ultimate solution, the ‘Extra Large’ - a loft conversion, a 3-storey side extension and a rear extension plus ideas for the whole house makeover. We could then see how to phase this into a sequence of ‘Small’, ‘Medium’, Large’ and ‘Extra Large’ interventions, allowing the client to grow their home and do the works in bite size stages without any abortive work.
In the accompanying images, you can see the initial intervention (ie. the ‘Small’) - a lounge, library and open plan kitchen diner - plus the ‘Medium’ intervention, which includes replacement of all windows and a re-landscaping scheme. The project is now set up for the ‘Large’ and ‘Extra Large’ solutions to be carried out seamlessly.
We love clients who are open to working with us in this way. It fits with Syndicate West’s philosophy of creating sustainable design strategies to future proof our homes.
