RSA Design

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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03 Pool

04 Pool

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06 Internal

07 Internal

08 Internal

01 stapley GF ext

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03 Stapley pool plan

South Essex

This project involved creating a family home in the style of an existing barn located on a beautiful big farm. This involved replacing the existing derelict and unsafe barn structure with a replacement in the form of a lovely family home. Through use of materials, form and careful design, Method Studio Architects aimed to preserve the barn aesthetic for our enthusiastic clients. 

# Brief

The brief from our clients was to create a home for their growing family. One that utilises the vast views over the fields, feels rustic, modern and comfortable. Working within the footprint and massing of the existing barn Method Studio had a sizeable shell to work within. Our clients wanted several bedrooms with leisure spaces for the kids, two working from home offices, a large open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, with a snug and a fireplace for those chillier days. It was important to build something that is sympathetic to the local vernacular, has all the modern comforts inside, but also comes within budget! As always, Method Studio was up for the task. 

# Concept

The reconstructed barn adopts a complementary styling to the contextual farm elements with limited fenestration. For creating a sympathetic barn look we designed hit and miss cladding screens to selected glazing areas to preserve the barn aesthetic and mitigate light pollution. These also provide privacy to bedroom and bathrooms inside. This, along with hidden gutters, a textured cladding material in the same darkened colour as the existing barn and clever positioning of windows we were able to design a modern barn for our clients. 

The interior layout utilises a vaulted ceiling upstairs for that open barn aesthetic. This draws your eye towards the large balcony off the living and dining space and out to the open fields of the farm. A comfy snug with fireplace and large vertical window is located off this space. Our clients also required a gym and utility room which we located off the front entrance space, anchoring the design at ground level. This suits those times you enter with muddy boots or want to turn the music up for your workout as it’s away from the bedrooms! Via an industrial staircase, only half a landing down, are the bedrooms (all complete with ensuite bathrooms), an office, kids lounge and library, and the master suite. Method included big glazed crittal style doors to the centre of the lower ground floor in order to drag loads of natural light through the middle of the house. 

![Ground Floor Plan Jennison](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/68H2vU83AZcsYlIqONhIsu/47334268e26d2afb76ee2a48c9dbceed/J000264_JENNISON.pdf_64.jpg) Ground Floor Plan

![First Floor Plan Jennison](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/38N23rJVVC5SIzsk2kL31g/ddd2ce2b156b9142d7606281c6dae635/J000264_JENNISON.pdf_65.jpg) First Floor Plan

# Challenges

It is important to produce little light pollution, consider car parking, materials used and enhance the existing through the re-build. After feedback from planners our design to pull the balcony space upstairs was proposed and received positively from the Local Authority. 

In conjunction with the architectural design, the landscape strategy proposed was to incorporate the connection with the outdoors and aid in screening the front of the barn, maintaining the country side feel while improving the biodiversity of the site. In our experience we have found it is not only the building design alone that creates a home and positively received design, but all the elements surrounding it as well - landscape, access, fenestration, hard and soft surfaces. All of these elements make a place a home.

Jennison Hall Farm Exterior

Jennison Hall Farm Interior Lounge

Jennison Hall Farm Interior

Jennison Hall Farm Interior Image Kitchen

First Floor Plan Jennison

Ground Floor Plan Jennison

Mountnessing

For this project our client required a lot more space for their family's growing needs. They specifically wanted to convert their loft into a master suite and open up the ground floor for better flow. They approached us during the purchase process which allowed us to start the design journey with them from the very beginning, creating a new lease of life for the property, tailored made for them.

# Brief
Converting the loft allowed for a really great master bedroom space. This needed to include a separate bathroom space as well as making the most of the front gable for a fantastic dressing area. Also important to the client was reconfiguring the first floor to include ensuite bathrooms for each of the bedrooms, extending and adjusting the ground floor for a generous open plan kitchen and living space. All in all, our brief was to create loads more space in this family home. Its not often you get asked to make a Tardis! 

# Concept
![GUGLIELMI CONCEPT 15](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/7JX9VR4iSZ53s2wVYvSFHB/5cf1e7f60e54b6b2aedba61490618a27/GUGLIELMI_CONCEPT_15.jpg)

On the ground floor we removed the garage allowing for much more natural light into the formal dining room. This room still opens out to the back through connecting doors to a large kitchen space with pantry and side access, providing great flexibility as needs change. With good planning, we proposed rebuilding the store for a more useable utility/laundry space with side access to that all important outdoor hanging space. 

A fantastic sliding glass door rear elevation gave a lovely connection to the garden and some well placed roof lights brightened up the floor plan perfectly. Externally, we married a material palette that complements the age of the property but with a more modern aesthetic suited to our client's taste.
![J000291 68.jpg 67.jpg 68](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4ALuUDE7lpCnt0FyaYej8s/90bf16063f6745d5e6a5f1268a170c74/J000291_68.jpg_67.jpg_68.jpg)
Ground Floor Plan

![J000291 69](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/3mfBuRDdIMwJ6HzRxadHfn/c5d0fdc5ed9574a22c898003f7c130a4/J000291_69.jpg)
First Floor Plan

![J000291 70](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/5uEBJNwlta46ibcdWG6W1P/e9ca95d0cd882abcb0ad5b966f5fde7c/J000291_70.jpg)
Second Floor Plan

# Challenges
Like any project, our team had to keep our client's budget in mind throughout. This can sometimes pose a challenge, but ensuring we balance the brief carefully means we manage expectations and the project moves forward even when construction costs escalate. One key element that posed a challenge was the limited head room in the new loft, which meant we had to propose lowering the ceiling across the whole first floor. This was only possible because of the generous head height in the existing so we were able to design this in effectively and hit the brief successfully.

Guglielmi, Epping Exterior

Guglielmi, Epping Interior

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Epping

A prominent corner plot is the location of this beautiful family home. A more traditional house required a substantial extension for more bedrooms and living space. Important elements for our client were natural light for their art collection, a gorgeous kitchen and entertaining space and a knock out master bedroom suite. We delivered this and more!

# Brief
Our client needed additional bedroom space for a more generous master bedroom with great connection to the mature garden to the rear. It was also key to provide a more open fluid layout with a living kitchen space for everyday use. It was important to find two work from home offices with enjoyable views to the rear. Sustainability within the design was a concern for our client and the simplest way to achieve this was to retain as much of the existing as possible without needlessly demolishing parts of the original property.

![Regnier Wilson Sketches](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/5q9X7QUM6nVMSjnD9sJuKP/885b8fd29c1e65f162541aaa1edc9685/MRW_CONCEPT.jpg)

# Concept
With some sensible interventions we were able to create all of the above with a contrasting modern extension. A series of simple forms tucked around the existing property were broken with a clear delineating glass link. The front elevation allows for a two storey side extension that follows the traditional domestic scale gable form, whilst at the rear a single storey extension captures sufficient space for the new ground floor additions. The material palette was chosen to provide a contrast where the new stood apart from the old with dark timber cladding.

![Ground Floor Plan Regnier-Wilson](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4JTSnhbAsXCuCdYfwSR5wj/9fda99b739410e3dc9477911e4e6ebbc/J000270_GF.jpg) Ground Floor Plan
![First Floor Plan Regnier-Wilson](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/6Ljcp11Pa4uQhbSKwXQJTm/a19fbf77b1fb660e8fcf1cf7656e8835/J000270_FF.jpg) First Floor Plan

# Challenges
The largest challenge to this project was the planning process due to some interesting local parameters. Engaging a tree specialist early on allowed for decisions to be made about the retention of some key trees and the best method of protection. The rear boundary was also a Grade II Listed brick wall that needed to be clearly protected which formed part of the submission process. As such a pre-application meeting with the local authority yielded valuable feedback to engage on these subjects and ensure that we had responded suitably to each matter prior to an application.

Regnier-Wilson Front View

Regnier-Wilson Rear Garden View

Regnier-Wilson Kitchen

Regnier-Wilson Bedroom

Ground Floor Plan Regnier-Wilson

First Floor Plan Regnier-Wilson

Westlands

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

J000244 GARDEN

J000244 PATIO

J000244 POOL

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Great Waltham

This beautiful detached property in a rural setting was a great opportunity to develop a design that would maximise a traditional home for a growing family. Given the sensitivities to development that come with living in the countryside we were able to leverage the great impact of permitted development rights for our client in creating a very large rear extension and garage building. This effectively doubled the foot print available on the ground floor, to such an extent that we were able to use some of this for an internal courtyard with glazing and planting to bring a piece of nature into the heart of the home.

# Brief
To create more space for a growing family a single storey extension with internal reconfigurations was created. Our designers understood the need to be sympathetic to the style of the original house. To allow for this the right specification for glazing and brickwork was a must.

# Concept
Under Permitted Development a single storey rear extension with some internal reconfiguration could be the basis for extending this home. The family wanted a more open plan kitchen and living area. To experience this the design opens up a through route to the current kitchen and offer views into the new addition of the enclosed courtyard. This will be a real feature in the summer.

![191 10](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/2BpnByvErFCkI63JgJz6sR/0ac873c4ce9e61e96345afcb4c0b0136/191_10.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

# Challenges
Despite the challenges of planning approval in a green belt area we were able to use permitted development rights for our client to gain approval for their home extension and new garage. We needed to integrate the new modern large spans into an existing Edwardian property. Getting the right balance between the old and new was an exciting test for our architects. We kept the design simple; light and open with glazing, clean internal finishes and matching the existing external materials to help blend in the new extension.  

Hill farm house external of single storey extension

Hill farm house external

Hill farm house internal

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West Horndon

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

An old, tired barn clad in asbestos and built with a now failing timber structure was the setting for this beautiful conversion. Soon to become a luxury large scale family home with double height vaulted living space. In many cases properties such as this have the opportunity to be converted under simple planning rules so long as the integral structure remains. We can make the most of this guidance and create a fantastic rejuvenated building that fulfils the potential available.

# Brief
The need for the project is to take an existing agricultural building and create a useful well proportioned modern home, very different to its original intension. Retaining the existing structure is key to ensuring planning permission with this barn and so areas of this need to fit well into the finished design. 

Dividing the internal space in the right way will be key to ensuring a successful home that works for its future inhabitants. Using our expertise to achieve the correct head heights, room proportions and balance between open plan living and sprawling spaces. 

The nature of the structure limits how much the external fabric of the building can be punctured to allow light into the home, cleverly designing the way spaces connect will ensure areas are not forgotten and lost of life. 

![Hill farm barn external](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4JbQrnLcIZYZUbaSGg8lSF/c87fdb83d200e16c850a1dc33b9dff7f/Barn_View-01_00000.jpg)

# Concept
Our teams design focuses itself around one internal double height space, leaving the true identity of this historic barn exposed, retaining timber beams and revealing a preserved timber structure. To ensure the life of this structure continues to be used for many years to come, additional exposed steel work juxtaposes the more traditional building elements allowing the internal space to tell the barns story. 

Carefully placed glazing, with particular attention to appropriate fenestration pulls light into the barns internal spaces. A mix of curtain wall glazing, rooflights, and discreet windows hidden behind hit and miss timber cladding, retains the identity of the barn when viewed externally. 

![Pemberley site photo](//images.contentful.com/m89aihghrib4/gr5TDQtjOuPfZIylKGKoe/9231c5c02a6bb66ec711edce8a9b5e96/20211109_142649.jpeg) We are onsite!
![J000191 on site](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/0UPhmMNhpksR77bzx2A15/ae292abfdc009be5bc0e2669b06e5c01/IMG_0233.JPG)
![191 -  Pemberley Site photo](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/2nq1u7fBd8mp7qxbkUd1O/b99295940c20162761a5ec67da62663e/20211109_142749.jpeg) On site photo of the newly installed roof

A centralised wood burner creates a focus within the double height living area, with bedrooms using an elevated walkway to navigate the mezzanine level, which wraps around the perimeter of the open living area. 

The incorporation of a generous utility room and hidden below ground wine cellar brings this dilapidated barn back to the 21st century, ensuring it functions as a well designed home for many years. 

![191 0](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/4yVrJhuI9Fie9awqEwkKQM/aed838893c325b195f72977882e8c1f1/191_0.jpg)Ground Floor Plan

![191 1](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/2ibwvxPhgFzYmUHRgKKhsb/f626c8cafb238ecbcca4c595f035c9e1/191_1.jpg)First Floor Plan

# Challenges
It was essential that the timber structure of this barn was retained, not just for aesthetic reasons, but it was also a requirement for planning approval. When our team were brought in to take on this design challenge, it was evident that the structure of the barn was not in good shape. We have had to work closely with engineers to preserve the timber, and strengthen and replace where absolutely necessary. 

Adapting and preserving older buildings can be a difficult process. But our experience in conservation means we can make the right decisions to preserve where preservation is the right method, and elevate designs with carefully selected materials.  

![Pemberley barn site photo](//images.ctfassets.net/m89aihghrib4/24Eo95ptGQ0QpselkxKP3/cf71a2c48a9e7612275c565bbe187b2c/Skype_Picture_2021_09_09T11_10_52_449Z.jpeg)
Site photo of new and old structure

# 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.

Hill farm barn internal

Hill farm barn external

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Brentwood

Method Studio have worked with RSA Designs on countless past projects. We have always found them to be fast and efficient. They produce very high quality work and we are very happy to recommend them for our clients. Take a look at some of our projects that they have already worked on...