Context
‘Fair View’ is a bungalow built on the outskirts of a market town in the east midlands. Originally built on the site of an old well adjacent to a windmill, the bungalow stands on an impressive plot with gardens on all sides. Although occupied, the building had fallen into severe disrepair until it was purchased in 2019 with the intention of remodeling the property and updating it to modern standards with full disabled access.
Many developers may argue that the demolition of this property would have been a better financial decision as the plot could easily accommodate two dwellings however the intention behind this project was not financial gain. The remodeling of this bungalow would provide a luxurious 2-bed home in a quiet, secure but connected location, 5 minutes walk from the center of town. In addition to the main house, the property also included a dilapidated barn that provided an opportunity to construct a hobbyist workshop making the property a place of stimulation as well as a safe haven.
Design
The original proposal for this property involved the lengthening of the ridgeline to the extent of the rear wall, a small extension to the rear corner, and the addition of a new gable and vallyed roof that allowed the kitchen to be widened. The new gable would be constructed half from brickwork and half glazed oak frame. In the oak frame section, the ceilings would be vaulted. The house would also be re-insulated, re-wired, and a new heating system would be installed. Disabled accessibility was a huge requirement for this property so all the doorways were widened and fitted with flush thresholds.
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Once work began the decision was taken to push this project one step further and convert the loft creating an office and extra bedroom. This new space would be accessed by a spiral staircase located in the dining room and lit by Velux windows, an arrow slit, and a gable tip frame.
Execution
The build started in 2019 and took around 9 months to complete. It was worked on by a small team of local tradespeople and complied with all relevant building regulations. The once dilapidated bungalow is now a stunning 3-bed home that features some of the latest technologies in modern living and has full ground-floor disabled access.
