Located in the Barnes Green Conservation Area, this late 19th Century terraced property was brought to us in 2017 with the client seeking to extend into the roof and to the rear to create much needed additional accommodation. We were also appointed to create a more homogenous interior by updating the finishes throughout. To ensure our client could start construction when they had hoped we suggested that a staged planning application approach was the most appropriate so that if the council were to object to one part of the proposals, the other would not be held back. Square One Architects then worked in collaboration with Richmond Borough Council to create proposals would sit subserviently within the special character of the conservation area and which would be viewed favourably by the local authority. We submitted separate applications for the rear extension and loft extension in spring and both were granted planning approval by autumn 2017. The extra accommodation to the rear was achieved by replacing the existing kitchen projection and timber outbuilding with a new masonry construction. The plan opens up through a frameless glazed corner which encompasses the external courtyard. By placing frameless corner glazing here and raising the patio to create a level threshold the courtyard becomes like another room, giving illusion to the internal space being much larger whilst retaining external amenity for the client. This effect is further enhanced by matching the internal and external floor finishes. One of the specifics from the brief was to ensure there was bike storage. We designed a bespoke multipurpose solution for this whereby new bench seating opens up to reveal ample storage sunken into the ground. This solution provides outdoor seating with hidden storage and avoids our client requiring a shed which would impact the quality of the space. To second floor, by lowering the first floor ceiling, implementing 2No. new dormers to the rear and installing a 2 new conservation roof lights we were also able to create a bright and spacious third bedroom / office space. By creatively working to achieve the most from the space available our proposals have created a home more commensurate to their family’s needs and tastes, as well as increasing the retail value of the property.