Wrap-around extension

Project Info

  • Construction Date

    2017/18

  • Location

    West Grinstead

The brief

The owners wanted to create a light and spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living space for their home.

The property

The original property was built in the late the 1800’s and was formerly the West Grinstead station building and ticket office for the now closed railway line. The property retains its original rectangular form and overlooks the disused platforms with views up the old railway line, now the Downslink footpath.
At ground level, the house had a PVC conservatory to the east and a newish single-storey extension to the north containing the kitchen and the bathroom.
There was no adequate living space for the owners, the kitchen was too small for more than one person and there was no usable dining room. Only an upper floor window looked out on to the extensive garden and the only view of the old railway line was from the bathroom window. At the side, the conservatory was only useful for boots and shoes.

The solution

The solution was to remove the conservatory and build an extension to provide a new spacious kitchen and living area. The new extension follows the line of the existing extension, wrapping around the two hidden elevations of the property. Bi-folding doors open up to the garden and glazing wraps around the corner give light and views up and down the Downslink.
Internally the kitchen and dining area is bathed with light from the roof lights, the windows, and the bi-folding doors. There is plenty of space for a kitchen island, masses of kitchen units, a large dining table and room for relaxing as well.

The result

The result is a large, light, airy open-plan kitchen, living, and dining room with views of the garden and beyond. The extension is a modern structure with delicate lines and contemporary materials that compliment the original Victorian station building and ticket office.
Cooking, eating, domestic tasks, chilling, and just enjoying the views have become a shared pleasure. The extension provides the owners with a great social space ideal for supper parties and entertaining family and friends.