Mezzanine in Grade 1 Listed Basement

The brief

The owners wanted to increase the living space in the flat and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the double height original kitchen (now the main living room for the flat).

The property

The original house, now sub-divided into flats, is one of the four large corner houses in Sussex Square. Until fifteen years ago much of the basement area was un-inhabitable storage with flagstone floors.
Works in 2005 created the flat as it now exists and it is one of two flats located in the basement of the house. The property occupies the original kitchen for the whole house, the servant’s stairs from the basement to the ground floor and some of the basement storage and food preparation rooms.
The property retains a number of original features including a double height kitchen, the original cast iron range, a large timber sliding sash window in the kitchen and York stone stairs leading from the ground level to the basement. A mezzanine gallery at ground floor level, created as part of the earlier refurbishment works, overlooks the double height living room.

The solution

The solution was to extend the mezzanine into one end of the double height living room with access to it through an existing but blocked up opening at ground floor level. The mezzanine has been designed to minimize the impact upon the historic structure of the building with a simple cantilevered structure, no supporting posts, and a frameless glass balustrade.

The result

The mezzanine structure is in place and the work is yet to be finished but already it opens up the flat, creates more space and gives a wonderful new perspective into the old kitchen.
The new structure respects the form, volume, and feel of the original double-height kitchen whilst allowing it to be read as a modern addition to this historic house.

Wrap-around extension

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.

Side Extension to Grade 2 Listed House

The brief

The property owners wanted to expand their living space by extending into the underused side-return and creating a combined kitchen & dining room. They also wanted to investigate whether the loft or the basement could be used to increase the floor area of their fairly compact family home.

The property

The property is a small two-storey grade 2 listed terraced house with a two-storey outrigger built in the early 19th century, located in the centre of Brighton. The house fronts directly on to the pavement and to the rear is a small patio/garden area. The property has an original basement and loft space above the pitched roof. The basement has the potential to provide an additional WC and storage but the loft does not have adequate height for any form of conversion.
The property is listed and any works needed both Listed Building Consent and planning approval.

The solution

The side-return enclosed by two-storey high walls on three sides gave the best opportunity to increase the ground floor area. Extending into the side-return would utilise underused space, and would minimise the impact upon the historic fabric of the property and on the neighbours.
A single storey flat-roof extension was constructed in the side-return and the wall opened up between the extension and the existing kitchen creating a combined kitchen & dining room. The flat roof of the extension sits behind a parapet wall, which mirrors the original parapets at the front and back of the house. A warm roof provides the best insulation and avoids the need for cross ventilation. To the rear timber bi-folding doors open out on to the patio and timber double hung sliding sashes replace existing casement windows.
The materials for the walls and the new fenestration match that in the original building. The extension has been set back from the corner of the outshot enabling the original form of the house to read by future generations. Internal piers have been left between the new extension and the old kitchen allowing the original structure to be easily understood.

The result

The extension makes excellent use of the unused side-return. It works well as part of and is integral to the existing house but, it respects the original structure and it can be read as an addition to the historic building. The bi-folding doors provide direct access to the rear patio whilst blurring the distinction between the inside and the outside.
Internally, a stainless steel work-surface links the old and new, it provides a transition space from the kitchen to the dining area and it offers a multi-purpose counter.
The extension has created an additional 8 sq. m. of living space in a house where space was at a premium. Completion of the extension has revolutionised how the owners use the house. They now spend most of their time in the new kitchen/dining room making the most of their additional space and enjoying the afternoon sunlight flooding in through the new doors and window.

Contemporary Rear Extension to Grade 2 Listed House

The brief

The property owners wanted to upgrade or replace their existing cold, cramped and damp galley kitchen and create an open-plan kitchen and dining room built to current standards fit for modern living.

The property

The property is a three-storey grade 2 listed end of the terraced house built in 1827. At the front, the house is directly on to the pavement and to the rear of the principal house was a later built lean-to outshot containing the kitchen. An unused lean-too WC sat in the top corner of the garden. The property has an original basement and a recent loft conversion in the pitched slate roof. The principal part of the house is constructed from a mixture of red and grey bricks and flints. The windows in the house are original timber sliding sashes with thin glazing bars but the kitchen windows were PVC. To the side of the house is a high brick and flint wall forming the boundary between the property and a side lane. The mono-pitched roofs of the kitchen and WC both leaned against the boundary wall, which was in urgent need of repair. The property is listed and any works needed both Listed Building Consent and planning approval.

The solution

The initial proposal was to retain and upgrade the existing kitchen. After listed building consent approval was given it was discovered that the single-skin kitchen walls had no foundations, they were built directly off the soil below and there was no form of damp proofing in the kitchen at all. The kitchen was not part of the original 1827 structure and subsequent listed building consent was given to remove the kitchen outshot and build a new extension across the back of the house.
The extension is designed to compliment the original house but intended to be read as a modern addition. It seeks to respect the historic nature of the principal house and not disturb any of the original features of the house or the brick and flint boundary wall. The side walls are set back from the existing boundary walls and the new roof avoids any historic features on the house.
The extension is a single-storey light-weight timber construction built off strip and slab foundations, keeping their size and depth to a minimum. The materials and finish are traditional but vary from the principal house, it has rendered walls, a zinc roof and metal windows and doors.

The result

Work was completed in the summer of 2017, just in time for the owners impending wedding. The extension sits hidden behind the listed boundary wall and it has transformed their lives, how the house feels and how they use it. They can now cook, eat, socialize or just be, in the warm, light and spacious new room.
Light from the generous sized roof-lights floods the extension, the fine profiles of the metal doors and window open up the house to the rear patio. The external finishes, the window, doors, and roof-lights give the extension a contemporary feel whilst not compromise an important heritage building.
Internally, the owners have created a stylish room that looks and feels modern that works brilliantly for them. Simple lines, minimal complimentary colours and fine detailing finishes off what is in view of the highly skilled and experienced builder “one of my best jobs”.

Rear Extension Replacing Conservatory

The brief

The clients wanted to create a family living area by doing something with the dilapidated and not very usable conservatory and in doing so radically change the feel and look of the back of their home.

The property

The property is a 1900s end of terrace town house. The house is built with red brick, it has predominantly timber windows and doors (some new and replacement PVC windows) and it has red concrete tiles on the pitched hipped roofs. The kitchen was already a reasonable size, with a larger than necessary utility room to its front and to the rear was a conservatory. The conservatory was in a poor condition, its single glazing provided little thermal insulation and the access from the house through the conservatory to the rear garden was awkward. The least attractive and under-used part of the house took up what should have been the best and most utilised part and it created a barrier between the living space and the garden.

The solution

The solution was to remove the conservatory and build a single storey ‘wrap-around’ extension in the side return of the property combined with the replacement of the existing conservatory. The extension follows the building line at the side of the property, leaving the side passageway as a visual and physical barrier between the extension and the neighbouring property. At the side, the extension has solid walls and a glazed roof, whilst at the rear it has wide bi-folding doors making it light and airy and reflecting the conservatory it replaced.
Internally the combined kitchen, dining and living room maximizes the light and aspect at the south-east facing back of the house. The utility room was pushed back into the centre of the house and to give light and ventilation to the rear reception room a new window was inserted into the side wall.

The result

The result is a large, light, airy open-plan kitchen, living and dining room that the family spends as much of their time in as they can. Every part of the room is bathed in light and if you need more rays there is direct and easy access to the garden.
The extension is clearly a modern structure but it compliments and echoes the existing. An internal steel column replaces the original structural corner of the house, the glazed roof reflects the red brickwork above and the pitch of the glazed roof mirrors the pitch of the existing roofs.

“Having employed Martin upon recommendation to design our loft extension in 2002 we had no hesitation in asking him back to design the alterations to the back of the house in 2014. Martin is always enthusiastic and an excellent listener. He understood our brief for function and simplicity and was a pleasure to work with. The result is a kitchen which has a real wow factor when visitors come and yet is totally in keeping with the spirit of a relatively modest property. It has transformed the way we use the house and inspired a renewed love of the garden which is now an integral visual and physical presence in our lives.”

Vasco & Kathryn, Brighton

Alterations to Grade 2 Listed Flat

The brief

Change, replace or alter the existing three pairs of French doors and one window to provide workable ventilation for all the habitable rooms and re-arrange the interior to make the best use of the limited space. The property is listed and any works needed both Listed Building consent and planning approval.

The property

The property is a single aspect basement flat at the front of Sillwood Mansions a Grade 2 listed terraced house built in 1829 in the centre of Brighton. It is accessed by separate steps leading down to the entrance at basement floor level. The flats three doors and one window openings are flat arched, they follow the line of the fenestration above and they form a significant element of the front façade of this important heritage building.
The doors were not original and their style did not match anything in the rest of the building. The one remaining window was a boxed sash window but the top no longer existed and had been replaced with two opening casements. None of the fenestration provided adequate or secure ventilation to the living room or the bedrooms which they served.
Internally the layout was very different from the original ‘servant quarters’ and the primary aim was to maximise the useful space in the flat.

The solution

The flat is part of an iconic Listed Building and it was critical that any external changes enhanced the historic front elevation. The openings and principle elevation were maintained but the existing doors and window were replaced with a pair of French doors (forming the front door) and three double-hung vertical sliding sash windows. The doors and the windows were timber of a style reflecting the period and all with a glazing bar pattern matching the windows above.
Internally, walls were straightened, a second WC/shower room added and cupboards built using existing alcoves, spaces, and corners.

The result

Externally, the basement is now in visual harmony with the rest of Sillwood Mansions, the lines of the windows and doors flow from one floor to another. The new doors and windows provide secure ventilation to all rooms and inside the space works efficiently and is clutter free.

“Martin has been absolutely key to the whole project – he is always on hand and happy to help. Very reliable, time efficient and extremely professional I will always use Martin for any future project.”

SH Brighton

Rear Extension & Internal Alterations

The brief

With a growing family, the clients wanted to have an open-plan kitchen, living and dining room with good access to the rear garden. They also wanted to make a quiet snug at the front of the house.

The property

The property is a 1930s semi-detached house on the west side of Graham Avenue in Brighton consisting of a hallway, through lounge, downstairs WC and kitchen in the main part of the ground floor of the house. To the rear of the kitchen was a brick single-skin out-house, which opened into an old glazed timber conservatory with doors and steps into the garden.The out-house and the timber conservatory were in a very poor condition, they were of little use to the clients and neither added anything to the aesthetic quality of the property.

The solution

The aim of the design was to build a modern looking extension that was complementary to the existing house but that had some character of its own. The solution was to remove the out-house and the conservatory, replace them with a single storey rear extension across the back of the house and remove the rear structural wall between the extension and house.
The extension used the length of the neighbouring extension as the limit for its depth, taking the extension across the back of the property, whilst allowing for access for construction and maintenance on the party wall side. The extension was designed with a dual pitched roof, it is a more attractive architectural feature, it worked well with the existing first-floor windows and the internal space is open to the roof lines creating a feeling of space and height.
The decking to the rear of the extension accommodates the change in ground levels at the rear of the house and creates an indoor/outdoor space adjacent to the bi-folding doors with steps down to the garden. On the party wall side, a privacy screen ensures the proposals do not impact upon the neighbouring property.

The result

The useless conservatory and utility room are gone and replaced with a great family room where the clients spent almost all of their time. The walk from the tired old galley kitchen through two doors to the dining room is now in the past and the cooking, dining and living experience is shared by all the family in the same room. The bi-folding doors open on to the patio, and the large areas of glazing and the glazed balustrades allow light in and enable a clear view from the extension to all parts of the garden.

“We are delighted with how our extension has transformed the way we use our home, allowing us all to share a contemporary space that suits our lifestyle. Martin was extremely helpful at all stages of the process, providing timely and insightful assistance.”

LT, Brighton

Side extension & Internal Alterations

The brief

The clients have a growing family and they wanted to create a multi-purpose room in the house where they could live, cook, eat, play, socialise and be together as a family. They also required better access and visibility into the garden and a downstairs WC and utility room.

The property

The property is an end of terrace late 1880’s two-storey four-bedroom house. On the ground floor, the kitchen was at the rear of the two storey outshot. The kitchen had a single doorway into the garden and an internal doorway into the dining room located in the centre of the house. As the kitchen was the focus for adult activities the adjacent dining room acted as a playroom and art room for the kids. As an end of terrace the property has a reasonable sized side garden which gave significant opportunity as an area to expand into.

The solution

Squaring off the ‘side return’ and opening up the existing rooms allowed for the creation of a big living space whilst still maintaining good external access down the side of the house. The solution was to build a single storey extension in the ‘side return’ with roof lights, remove most of the structural walls between the kitchen, the dining room, and the extension, insert bi-folding doors to the rear and pop a WC & utility room next to the existing drain run.

The result

The project has transformed the dark dis-jointed back rooms of the house into a light and airy 35 sq. m. kitchen, dining, living and family room. This new space is the hub of the house where everything happens. There is direct and easy access to the garden and a downstairs WC. The kids can play inside and out and the adults can keep an eye on them where ever they are and whatever they are doing.
At the side of the elevation visible from the road, the new masonry follows the form, lines and colour scheme of the existing house and the new window in the utility room matches the existing timber sliding sashes. To the rear the masonry is plain and the bi-folding doors are new and honest.

“Martin took time to fully understand our requirements and desires in transforming our house. The solutions he came up with worked brilliantly; the work took about 4 months in total and has completely transformed the way we live in the house. Furthermore, it will adapt happily to our changing needs as time goes by. We love it.”

Mrs. A. Worthing

Loft conversion, new gable & new pitched roof

The brief

The clients wanted to use the empty loft space to create a master bedroom at the top of the house with an ensuite and dressing room. As part of the design, they sought to maximise light and space and optimise the views from the new second-storey bedroom.

The property

The property is a large 1920s detached house on an elevated position overlooking Brighton. It is constructed from bricks at the base, with a pebble dash on the first floor and with a tiled hipped roof on all fours sides over the original part of the house. An earlier two-storey extension encompassing the original garage copies the original walling materials but is finished with a basic felted flat roof.

The solution

The design proposed to convert the hip at the back of the property to a gable and change the flat roof over the garage to a pitched & hipped roof.
A hip to gable was a visually attractive solution to creating additional usable space in the loft. The gable follows the lines of the existing roof, its orientation minimizes any detrimental impact on the neighbours but it maximizes the views of the City. The roofing materials and the finish of the new gable give a uniform appearance to the rear elevation.
The new hipped roof at the side matches the line and pitch of the existing roof, it follows the existing eaves and uses matching materials but it is subordinate to the original roof and has a lower ridge line.
Internally there is a large bedroom running from the front to the back with a dressing area to the front of the bedroom. Under the new pitched roof is a good sized ensuite bathroom containing a large ‘walk-in’ shower and a bath. The new stairs from the 1st-floor landing follow the line of and match the existing stairs and look as though they were always there.

The result

The aim of the proposal was to maximize the available space in the loft whilst creating a design that was harmonious with and enhanced the visual character and form of the existing house. The loft conversion has created a good sized bedroom with an ensuite and a dressing area. The gable to the rear provides space, light, ventilation and fantastic views and the new pitched roof provides space for the ensuite and gives a more balanced front elevation to the property creating visual harmony.

“We are very pleased with the results. The bathroom is much bigger than anticipated, the dressing room is an excellent use of the space and the huge gable window is a constant delight. The atmosphere that has been created is very calming.”

CE, Brighton

Refurbishment of Grade 1 Listed Flat

The brief

The clients met in and fell in love with Brighton and bought the flat as a place to come and live once their lives become less busy. They wanted to refurbish the property to a good modern standard but to retain or put back the historic features, respecting and reflecting its original layout and use as part of the servant’s quarters of the grand house above.

The property

The property is the front part of the basement of a grade 1 listed terraced house built in the 1830s and is located in one of the most iconic groups of heritage buildings in the country. As with all large houses of the era, the basement was the ‘workhorse’ of the house.
The flat was habitable but was suffering from a 1980s makeover, which detracted from the historic aspect of the property.
Originally, a York stone passage ran from the front to back of the basement giving access to the; Housekeeper’s room, Butler’s pantry, numerous food & drink storage rooms, servant’s hall, kitchen, scullery, food storage and servant’s stairs up to the main house. Over time the house and basement have been divided and sub-divided and prior to these most recent works, the flat was a 1980s incarnation.
The living room at the front of the basement was the House keeper’s room and this is the only room in the property that retains its original plan form. The other key feature for which there is evidence is the front part of the York stone passage. Over time ceilings have been lowered, walls built and a kitchen installed in the passage. The plan form of the rest of the flat is a combination of the conversion of the house into flat in the 1920s and the work in the 1980s. The property is listed and any works needed both Listed Building consent and planning approval.

The solution

The proposal was to refurbish the flat whilst at the same time remove the modern features that detract from the historical interpretation of its original plan. If and where possible the client wished to reinstate the layout and details of the property, taking it back to how it was when first built or to a logic point in its history. This wish involved removing modern features, retaining the 1920s alterations that had become part of the historical development of the building (such as the cross-passage) and where evidence existed putting back some original features.
The design solution was to retain the principle layout of the flat but open up and delineate the York stone passage.
The York stone passage has been created by stripping out the kitchen, and the removal of walls, blockwork balustrades, and suspended ceilings. To delineate the passage a York stone floor was laid and the bathroom walls set back. A new kitchen now sits respectfully in the York stone passage.
In the Housekeepers room, all the features added in the 1980s were removed including; the plaster moulding and ceiling rose, the picture rail and skirting boards, the window with bulls-eye glazing, the six-panelled fire doors, the 20th-century fireplace and non-original doorways. In their place is an entrance door in the original location, plain plastered walls and ceiling, a period fireplace and a refurbished parquet floor found under the carpets. New timber window shutters matching original examples have been reinstated in the tracks existing in the box sash windows.
Throughout the flat, the modern and non-original features have been removed and replaced. This includes; new four panelled internal doors (match original doors in other basements in the square) with Regency style rim locks and keeps, a new four panelled timber front door, square-nosed skirting boards reflecting those found in other Regency basements, replacement of the blockwork around the steps to the subterranean cellar with a visually unobtrusive balustrade, contemporary doors to the under-the-pavement cellars and the removal of the ceramic tiles covering the York stone steps and patio at the front of the property.

The result

Walking down the now exposed York stone steps at the front of the flat, worn by generations of servants and owners, the years of wear and the soft buff colour of the stone takes you back 180 years.
Inside the now removed stud walls, dropped ceilings and 1980s paraphernalia make way for what really feels like the original York stone passage. An Aga and minimal kitchen units sit quietly against one wall, almost like a serving table of days gone by. In the old Housekeepers room, the finishes are basic and your eyes are drawn to the cast-iron fireplace, to the renovated parquet floor and to the plain but elegant details and finishes. Period radiators, light switches and fittings and even the flexes give a simple but chic feel.
The recent renovation has created a modern flat in a heritage building of national importance. The refurbishment manages to provide the comforts required of today in a historic setting whilst portraying a little sense of how it was and how it might have felt when it was first inhabited.

“What do you do when you haven’t lived in Brighton for 20 years and you need an excellent architect to take care of a very sensitive Grade I listed apartment refurbishment? We were looking for a diligent, intelligent, creative and personable professional to guide this project through the labyrinthine application process and onwards.

Though he was by no means the first architect that we considered for this project, it is safe to say that we got lucky in holding out until we, at last, came across Martin McCurdy. Upon meeting him the decision was easy. The process smooth. The result a pleasure that will grow with time.

No one should undertake such a project lightly, but should you wish to restore what previous owners before you have repeatedly undermined and be able to live a modern life within it, then I would heartily recommend that you do so with an architect who is as personable as they are skilled. These projects are emotional. Enter into them with a good-hearted and sensitive partner. Thank you, Martin.”

J & W, Brighton