At Rapid Bee, we understand how important it is to create functional and beautiful spaces for families. In April 2021, we began an exciting project at Woodyates Road, Lee, aiming to bring our client’s vision of a modern and efficient living space to life.
The scope of the project involved constructing single-storey rear and side extensions, along with a complete ground-floor refurbishment, addressing both functional needs and aesthetic aspirations.
Initial Situation
The client sought to expand and modernise their living space, focusing on creating an open-plan kitchen, dining, and utility area that maximised natural light. However, the property’s unique layout, with the rear garden situated two meters lower than the house level, posed design and logistical challenges. Their vision required innovative solutions to ensure a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Challenges Faced
- Topography Issues: A significant level difference between the house and the garden necessitated the construction of a retaining wall, along with decking and stairs for accessibility.
- Lighting Needs: Ensuring adequate natural light in the extended areas required thoughtful roof design.
- Modern Amenities: Integrating underfloor heating, a new boiler, and updated flooring across the ground floor demanded precise planning and execution.
Solution and Execution
Design Phase
- Collaborated closely with the client to create a bespoke design that blended functionality with aesthetics.
- Designed a flat roof with large rooflights to flood the new kitchen and dining areas with natural light.
- Integrated plans for retaining walls, decking, and stairs to harmonize the indoor-outdoor flow.
Construction Phase
- Built single-storey extensions on the rear and side, accommodating the open-plan kitchen, dining, and utility areas.
- Installed underfloor heating and a new boiler for modern comfort.
- Laid premium wood flooring throughout the ground floor for a cohesive look.
- Constructed the retaining wall, decking, and stairs to enhance garden access.
Results and Benefits
The completed project transformed the home, delivering:
- A spacious and light-filled open-plan kitchen and dining area.
- Enhanced functionality with a dedicated utility room.
- Improved energy efficiency through underfloor heating and a new boiler system.
- Seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity via the decked patio and garden stairs.
- Aesthetic upgrades with elegant wood flooring throughout the ground floor.
The client was thrilled with their updated living space, which not only met but exceeded their expectations for style and usability.
Lessons Learned and Innovations
This project highlighted the importance of adaptive design. Overcoming the garden’s level difference showcased our expertise in addressing topographical challenges while maintaining design aesthetics. The inclusion of large rooflights and premium underfloor heating underscored our commitment to modern, client-focused solutions.
Conclusion
At Woodyates Road, we successfully blended technical expertise with creative design to deliver a stunning transformation. This project showcases our ability to tackle complex challenges and deliver exceptional results.
