Longhurst Road Extension Longlisted by NLA

A look back to last year as this cost effective extension we completed at Longhurst Road was selected by new London Architecture’s Don’t Move Improve award to be a part of the longlist. It’s an honour to be included in the publication and exhibition which will open on January 25th 2018. This cost-effective extension saw many existing structures being turned into features, our client was open minded with our suggestions and the result of these minimal yet thoughtful adjustments was an extension with a huge amount of character.

With the project budget coming in at £65,000.00 including VAT and all consultants, for an additional 17m2, we definitely succeeded with our cost-effective approach, given the average costs per m2 in that area. The way that we achieved this was to turn many existing structures into features, our client was open minded with our suggestions and the result of these minimal, yet thoughtful adjustments was an extension with a huge amount of character. The most prominent feature is the exposed steel support which we left just as it is, rather than undertaking additional work by covering and plastering. Not only did the exposed steel become a nod to the existing structure it also really defined the space, as well as allowing for a natural divide between the kitchen and dining areas. The angled opening between the living room and kitchen is also somewhat unique, again a case of finishing to the minimum and working very much with what we had.

We also saved considerably by using three Velux windows in a row on the side extension, rather than one huge sheet of structured glass. Original ideas for the large door on the rear extension were Crittal, but the budget would not allow, so we suggested the bi-folding door company which brought just as much light with less than half the cost.