‘EXTENDING CHANGED THE WAY WE LIVE?
Adding a big rear extension eased the pressure on the Coynes? living space.
Alex and Lizzie Coyne?s terrace was a classic knock-through, with walls removed between the living and dining rooms and the adjoining galley kitchen. ?Having one big space was really sociable, but meant there was nowhere quiet to sit and read or work,? says Lizzie.
PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE
The couple brought in James Bernard of Plus Rooms (0800 917 7127; plusrooms.com). ?He suggested extending the kitchen and putting up a wall between it and the living room,? says Lizzie. ?He organised everything, from the party wall agreements to the planning application for the extension, which has a crown roof inset with frameless rooflights. It was designed to project 3m into the garden, opening onto a large deck through aluminium bifolds.?
GETTING STARTED
Restricted access for machinery meant the foundations were dug by hand. Structural steelwork was required, the rear wall was partially demolished, and the extension was built with reclaimed bricks, sourced to match the existing exterior.
ENJOYING THE RESULT
?It really is like a different house now,? says Lizzie. ?That?s because everything has been designed to make the most of the space.?
ABOVE a large island unit gives the family another option
for informal meals. Frameless roof lights mean the kitchen is
flooded with light and feels more spacious.
BELOW The couple opted for white walls and simple white-gloss
units to enhance the fresh, open feel of the extended kitchen/
dining space.
WHAT I LEARNED
?Living on a building site with young children turned out to be quite manageable. Our builders installed a temporary kitchen, and by staying put, we saved paying rent for alternative accommodation?.
The shape of the crown roof maximises both height and light.
