The brief from the clients required rationalising the layout of a house in a conservation area of Glastonbury, Somerset, which had previously had a number of unsafe and ad hoc variations made to it by the prior owner. In addition to this, the loft was to be converted and a bathroom relocated, so as to move the old and cramped bathroom from the ground floor to the first floor while also improving bedroom space. There were a number of complications, not least a very restrictive conservation team, but also more interestingly the requirement for the clients to be able to handle much of the build themselves, where this didn’t require complex technical mechanical or electrical knowledge.

The original solution allowed for a greater extension than was allowed, so instead an internal wall was removed so as to create a comfortable family kitchen to the rear, overlooking an inner kitchen garden which is to lead out onto a larger family space.

Due to conservation restriction, a dormer loft extension was ruled out, so to maximise space in the loft bedroom the door to this space was located at the bottom of the acmes stair, with conservation roof lights allowing for a light and airy space. Work was undertaken by the client in a collaborative contract with the builder, where a high degree of understanding between both parties allowed for cost control, but requiring client flexibility on delivery timescales.