Shore Building Control

This lovely home and extensive garden space is a prime location for a family to expand. A new extension to house a pool and leisure space was on the clients wish list! Method Studio was up for the challenge of creating an elegant architectural solution to fit with this modern family. 

# Brief

The brief for this project was to take full advantage of the land to the side of the house which connects to a beautiful sloping garden leading down to a pond. We wanted the space to be adaptable and allow for separate access for private use in the future if required. The use of these spaces would include a gym, games room, bar space, swimming pool and lounge area. As well as the enjoyment of designing something that is very leisurely we also need to think about WC, showers and plant room. 

# Concept
![Sketch Concept 2](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/1kxF9QRp30dBdtBKWeRReg/e7eeb3d31a2200e95cc5ce24d5c6ea77/Sketch_Concept_2.jpg)

The relationship between the levels on site and the materials with the rest of the property is essential. The long slender form of the leisure extension sits within the sloping site. The pool space allows a fluid connection with the pond area without invading its privacy or ruining the beautiful, natural appearance. From the lawn side the materials of the build needed to feel clean and harmonious with its surroundings, therefore we selected a soft render finish which looks modern and sleek while softly sitting on site.
![01 stapley GF ext](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/2oRmzeRTgcz0a5DxMPXwPt/be186fa3fa8c67f325fb29d8086ac63f/01_stapley_GF_ext.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

![02 stapley ff ext](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/6J5aIElpDcstoZrslp6avc/5f9ca1c298f7cfe0b2620119084056f5/02_stapley_ff_ext.jpg)First Floor Plan

![03 Stapley pool plan](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/6N7JMVpX0FzYUUQ0PvC3ug/570d0e632945a535c9a6edbf439c1560/03_Stapley_pool_plan.jpg) Pool Plan

# Challenges

The exciting challenge of this project was to design something that is both sympathetic to the surroundings while also being contemporary in design. While showing off a simplistic modern design there is also the extensive back of house electrical, plumbing and plant work we needed to intelligently locate. For these mechanical and electrical requirements we tucked them away at the back of the building so they do not inhibit the lovely views down to the pond and across the gardens. Juggling the plant space with the requirement of gym, bar space, pool, showers, lounge and views, was a challenge to fit together! Privacy as well as connection to the gardens was also an important factor we needed to weave into the design.

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01 stapley GF ext

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South Essex

Our client had an incredible plot, with their modest bungalow enjoying stunning forest views. A complete refurbishment with a new loft conversion and a substantial extension turn this house into an absolute stunner.
Given the nearby conservation area, the sloping site and large trees there were some challenges to the design but we were able to exceed our clients expectations. The new kitchen and living space is very special with double height ceiling flooded with natural light to create a crisp and modern upgrade to this home.

# Brief
The aim was to create crisp, modern additions to this home while integrating some important upgrades to the house as a whole. This included the external finishes and windows along with the rear elevation that benefited from some elegantly framed sliding glass doors. This has helped to really connect the new space with the garden.

The existing property featured a modest sized bungalow, with a large garden surrounding the property. This was a key element to ensure we could expand the existing property to meet the client's needs. 

# Concept
Our design team reconfigured the property and added well designed extensions that have really helped to make the best of the living space this family required. There was huge potential with this property and by flooding the space with natural light we have created a bright and airy home.

We have been able to create a somewhat hybrid design, making small adjustments to the the existing and then pushing our design further with the use of new materials and technologies that compliment the existing property. 

![Danbury Sketch](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4hTHzbza9SxK26cSH7Wsml/391265d1868685730b2f700170fd93b1/Screenshot_2021-01-22_at_17.49.30.png)

Beginning our design process with 3D sketches means we can look at the project as a whole, allowing volumes to interact and create architecturally striking elements that may otherwise be overlooked with a more traditional two-dimensional design. 

![161](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/2j9ZCnJC60VNo2Qg2dxVVQ/bb57bebb41bc1dbeae883fccbaff8dd1/161.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

# Challenges
Due to the nearby conservation area, the sloping site and large trees these issues did pose some potential problems to gaining planning approval. However, due to many years of experience and good working relationships with planners these issues were swiftly overcome and construction is now complete.

![Hazeldene Site photo](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/1MNtDm5MJk8Hkl8LuivKPi/1a0e50b8e9184f9ebb4d63142668a4b8/IMG_6915.JPG)

# VR
See below for the VR experience we created for our clients! This helps our clients really visualise what their new home looks like, it also helps our clients make further decisions with kitchen design and overall finishes. See more about our VR and design process in our [Stage 1](https://method.studio/process) guide.


Hazeldene high-res-2-e1582557375868

Hazeldene, Full refurbishment and renovation

Hazeldene, Danbury, Essex

Danbury

This project started life as a loft conversion to this charming Period Property but soon became additional works including a reconfiguration of the existing building as well as an additional pool house and cart lodge. There were many challenges with the age of the property but with a considered approach and careful coordination with the Structural Engineer the result will be fabulous.

# Brief

Located in fields with gorgeous surrounding views the clients wanted to make the most of this with a loft conversion and some simple internal reconfiguration. The brief included making sure the bedrooms were proportioned correctly as well as ensure circulation was easy to navigate from ground floor through to the new loft. 

The brief expanded after planning was submitted for the loft. Our clients wanted to convert their existing garage into a pool house and shower room overlooking the swimming pool. They would also require a large garage to fit in the vehicles both internally and externally. 

# Concept

Our design achieved a generous sized Master bedroom suite including a walk through dressing area and a bathroom. We made the most of what space was available to ensure the house worked holistically. 

The pool house and new garage uses materials that are complimentary and do not out-shine the main house. The pool house has lovely big sliding doors that open up to the pool while also creating a sheltered elevation for the outdoor barbecue and entertainment area. 

![201 0](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/jcSV5VstTJUAGD9RijO92/d3bee45bd76bb517d216fa622be8d201/201_0.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

![201 1](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/R02Plf1Xuim0eVxRDf3Fg/59eeff1eb10c74c88c28d14527e901c4/201_1.jpg)First Floor Plan

![201 2](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/LufVTAnQOlH2hP7bttRpQ/cc53bb41654b4f05ae5c736e503da49e/201_2.jpg)Second Floor Plan

![244](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/3MbCPKtUVwde2Hpmdt8636/876c589589aafdf1ec0bd9e0c6ccc2ec/244.jpg) Carport and Pool House

# Challenges
This building is a very beautiful old house with the original structure still in tact. We needed to find a way to design a new loft that would work with the existing rafters, and then ensure the existing foundations could handle it! 

# VR
See below for the VR experience we created for our clients! This helps our clients really visualise what their new home looks like, it also helps our clients make further decisions with kitchen design and overall finishes. See more about our VR and design process in our [Stage 1](https://method.studio/process) guide. 

J000244 OVERALL

GARDEN

J000244 CARPORT

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J000244 PATIO

J000244 POOL

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Great Waltham

This property had not been touched in several decades and its new owner wanted to revitalise it for his family. The brief was 'contemporary mediterranean' but we had to cope with some very sensitive planning requirements also.

# Brief
This project is a complete renovation and rejuvenation of a family home. The client's brief was to add lots of space to their existing home. These spaces included a ground floor extension for an open plan kitchen/living/dining, utility room, WC and outdoor seating patio area. 

Part of this renovation is to add a master suite, new stair, and 4 bedrooms, all with ensuites and dressing rooms where possible. Externally the client wanted a clean smooth finish that is easy to maintain. 

# Concept
With this project we have had the unique opportunity to work with a new material. We designed the front facade to be clad in a wow-factor beautiful hit-and-miss timber-looking cladding made out of extruded aluminium. This material requires minimal maintenance, allows lots of light into the stair well and provides a hidden garage door for a seamless smooth finish.

Inside we have reconfigured the floor plans to work efficiently with the sun and the client's needs. The ground floor rear extension encompasses an open plan kitchen/dining space with 2 large rooflights above and a lovely big sliding door to the garden. We included a workshop into the garage, and a utility room that connects it to the main house - this access makes carrying groceries into the kitchen so much easier!

The first floor layout has a had a complete make over. We have rationalised the layout to suit new ensuites, additional bedrooms and a lovely 2 storey void over the entrance space. 

![221 1](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/2bKsqRRSefDnXL1QskXCKY/a1a561ac3e4e27b7e79009b7c964b46e/221_1.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

![221 2](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4g3lAqJbrn14zRmfqwV9Ed/f85f0bf1509e1a58cbbe491c7787e565/221_2.jpg)First Floor Plan

# Challenges
There was a lot of correspondence with the planners for this build. The roof form and materials were of high interest to the Local Authority. Our clients wanted a modern finish which matched parts of his neighbourhood but not his direct neighbours. Method Studio worked hard on a proposal the Local Authority would accept but still gave the client what he wanted. It's all part of the job! 

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Little Baddow

The brief for this project was to create a lovely family home that would better cater for the client's needs. This included making best use of a loft conversion as well as extending to the side and rear over two storeys. The ground floor at the rear became a great open plan entertaining space for the whole family.

# Brief
Our clients love cooking and entertaining friends and family in their home. They needed an open plan Kitchen/Dining space with loads of natural light and a big sliding door to connect the inside with the outside. 'Back-stage' items like a pantry, utility for washing machine and a dog wash were essential to making their house a well functioning home. 

An important part of the brief was also a loft conversion. This space was to include a Master bedroom, ensuite, dressing room and a quiet office space for work calls. The master and office space makes the most of a beautiful view of the outside to keep an eye on the kids (and the dog) in the garden. 

![Vallil site photo](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/6A3hdcorSCHWLuiZbbpJc3/cd04daa7d8c5b6263ecfee73c960ffed/for_website.jpg) Existing Site photo

# Concept
Our resulting design for the family brings together their need for light and a connection with the outdoors. Architecturally, the crown roof makes the kitchen/dining space feel large and open with several rooflights flooding the space with light. The sliding doors open up to a patio area right next to the kitchen, essential for those summer BBQ's and family dining outside. 

The loft utilises a Juliet balcony making the Master bedroom feel like it opens right up to the outside. The ensuite and office space uses rooflights to keep the spaces light but maintain privacy. We worked with the clients to design open treads on the stairs to the loft, this means light can travel down from the loft to the darker staircase below. 

![248 0](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4ugW2dTEJ8x1hKWtiFUcSL/d09a3a239ff230d0a3dcd8e421ea1fa4/248_0.jpg) Ground Floor Plan

![248 1](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/3EBXs4nJQN9BCnVplvPNeW/c2c85280ea526a721f308a40513b9b18/248_1.jpg) First Floor Plan

![248 2](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/6PAgUYy3RDGRL3cVFb29QE/b11e06509db3bc924d54c3ae7738b865/248_2.jpg) Second Floor Plan

# Challenges
Because this was a 6m extension we needed to find a way to ensure the existing living room wasn’t plunged into darkness. We therefore inserted some big roof-lights within the crown-roof of the extension. This allows a wash of indirect natural light to illuminate the internal living space. 

We were also raising the ridge and redesigning the roof shape to include an incredibly spacious loft for the master suite. We took into consideration many factors including the neighbours heights, massing, character etc. Because of our experience and thoughtful designing this project sailed through planning with an early approval. 

# VR
See below for the VR experience we created for our clients! This helps our clients really visualise what their new home looks like, it also helps our clients make further decisions with kitchen design and overall finishes. See more about our VR and design process in our [Stage 1](https://method.studio/process) guide.

J000248 KITCHEN

J000248 FRONT

J000248 GARDEN

J000248 K:L:D

J000248 REAR

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Vallil site photo

Broomfield

Our client wanted to develop their whole property to include a new loft conversion and a ground floor open plan kitchen as well as reconfiguring their floor plan.

# Brief
This lovely house needed an expansion to include much needed extra space for the clients. The extension to the rear of the property was to include a generous open plan kitchen and living space, as well as allow as much natural light into the hallway as possible. We also needed to add spaces into the floor plan for storage, utilities, and a boot room. Our clients wanted to explore the possibility of a loft conversion also, so we looked into a few options of how this could be incorporated. 

The exterior finishes needed an upgrade with a suitable texture, colour and to require little maintenance. This finish, as well as a freshening the front porch to match the exterior facade elements, gives the entrance a deserved revitalisation!

# Concept
Our design was to create cosy spaces for reading and watching TV as well as light open spaces for dining and gathering. We designed a gorgeous boxed window seat that frames a relaxing seating space for afternoon reading. Along with this boxed window seat we have new composite framed large sliding doors and 2 roof lights that wash the space in natural light. 

With the Generous utility space behind the kitchen the muddy pooch can be washed and dried before entering into their lovely new extension. We also designed a very spacious loft conversion which we got planning for! This design is sitting in our clients back pocket for when they want to undergo the works in phase 2 of their build. 

![215](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4pU2GD9hejGvHeRowkx7Ux/a407bcd5fea15c2155ae9f67c6d98c3b/215.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

# Challenges
This house was originally incredibly traditional inside. It was a design challenge to modernise the interior while still keeping the style in cohesion with the rest of the house. Structurally this meant we needed to add some cranked beams into the roof and some long steel beams into the kitchen to support the new extension. 

J000215 GARDEN

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J000215 KITCHEN

Leigh-On-Sea

We work along with a number of residential development companies to deliver housing. On this project we assisted Bocking Homes to create two new high end homes with the aim to maximise their sale potential. The plot of land is on a High Street and within a conservation area setting so came with some challenges. We were able to work along with the developer on site through regular visits as well as our sign off certification which was vital to the financing of the project. Both properties sold within days of completion.

# Brief
With the purchase of this property the developer had inheritied some inital planning work. We supported our client through the discharge of several conditions to get the final design signed off as well as a package of construction information so they could start works. Being in a prominent village setting, a conservation area and in the vicinity of a listed building careful communication was needed with the planning authority to secure approvals on materials and methodology.

# Concept
With us signing off the buildings and liaising with their funding source they were able to keep everything running smoothly and finish ahead of schedule. Both properties sold immediately on completion. Happy client!

![158 0](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/VtJUXme5DmWCld59Ji4ed/11fe95710a67a40ff273d60b55d9c774/158_0.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

![158 1](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4bHmgAkdTvXDbhjaAccMJ8/9c31471c6b418222c2b62ca27b1773ab/158_1.jpg)First Floor Plan

# Challenges
Due to the challenges of building a development on a Hight Street and within a conservation area we needed to be sympathetic to local planning sensibilities whilst working hard to keep the plans of the developer moving forward. The planners were very particular about the style and material pallete of this build, we proposed a flemishbond brick with brick arches which the clients and planners loved! 
![Bocking](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/7AJGpmBYaSUlqS7NhKGmM9/f71284464ed265fc8bc52721ec884b79/image00004.jpeg)

Thorpe external

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Bocking Homes

Shore pride themselves on collaborative relationships with their clients and providing a professional, personalised service. They aim to deal with each client as an individual and Method Studio have certainly seen that over the years. They offer effective solutions, advice and guidance throughout a project.
Our clients have always been pleased with their reliable and efficient service.