Vote Now: Best Architect or Designer for a Renovation or Extension Project – Build It Awards 2020

In order to bring a contemporary touch to this 19th century Methodist chapel conversion, A’Ball & Bear Architects first had to remove the existing low-quality extension to reveal the original period detailing.

They replaced this with an ultra-modern cedar and metal clad extension, creating a distinction between the old red brick building and new structure.

The building was fully restored internally, enhancing the ecclesiastical detailing and original chapel features. A glazed link connects the old and new spaces, and the internal floorplan has been opened up to increase the sense of space.

The extension includes ample insulation for improved thermal performance, well in excess of the Building Regs requirements. This offsets the holes in the original building fabric to create a much more cosy environment.

Highlights of this project:

• 85m2 of additional space helps to create a great floor plan
• Clever use of rooflines and architectural detailing
• Highly insulated extension

Vote for A Bear & Ball Architects

Architects Atelier – Lakeview

Architects Atelier provided full project management support on this end of terrace extension and renovation project. The result is a spacious four-bedroom family home. They provided this support free of charge for the owners, who have busy work schedules in the NHS and police force, as a way of giving back to the UK’s emergency services.

The site is near a lake, so 15m-deep piled foundations were specified for the rear extension. Work was then paused to allow for a competitive tendering process, helping to ensure the project came in under the couple’s original budget.

The owners were particularly thankful for Architects Atelier’s professionalism, support and ability to listen to what they wanted from their home.

Highlights of this project:

• Complete renovation alongside a 69m2 extension
• Architect provided a full support package
• Project came in under budget

Vote For Architects Atelier

ARCO2 Architecture – Little Cutmadoc

Offering additional space for the family to enjoy, this sympathetic two-storey extension replaces an old lean-to and opens up the original period farmhouse to a modern lifestyle.

The design by Arco2 maximises views over the adjacent lake and countryside with an integrated Juliet balcony and recessed frames creating a seamless link between outside and inside.

Stone cladding and cedar shingle help blend the structure into its rural setting, maintaining asense of the building’s old industrial use. The striking cantilevered upper floor integrates with the canopy of trees above.

Constructed from timber frame, the extension is extremely well insulated. It has also been made as airtight as possible for a more eco-friendly home.

Highlights of this project:

• 70m2 additional space with stunning views
• Designed to blend into the architecture and surroundings
• New space exploits the plot to its fullest

Vote for ARCO2 Architecture

lapd Architects – Pippins

Lapd Architects have sympathetically restored a dilapidated barn and incorporated it into the extension of this Grade II listed home.

A new barn building and architectural link bridges the gap between the two listed structures, creating a seamless connection.

An old brick pergola in the garden has been repurposed to enhance the design, and huge swathes of glass incorporate the front garden into the entrance for additional wow factor.

The couple want this to be their forever home, so the internal fit out includes a downstairs bedroom and ensuite, futureproofing for their retirement. A remote-control heating system provides greater control and ease of use.

Highlights of this project:

• 133m2 of sympathetic extra space at a great build cost
• Original brick wall backdrop in the kitchen is a wow-factor feature
• Impressive addition to a listed property

Vote For Lapd Architects

Paul Archer Design – Fin

This growing family was in desperate need of extra space, so Paul Archer Design created a whole new floor via a full-size basement extension, which houses living space, a work zone and guest suite.

A central light well and one more on each end to allow natural light to filter down into the new basement. Tall ceilings and generous openings create a sense of space, making the subterranean level feel like any other storey.

The owners were particularly impressed with Paul Archer Design’s creativity and continual flow of thought-provoking ideas, all of which culminated in a light and practical home.

Highlights of this project:

• Creative basement extension to maximise space
• Light wells and tall ceilings enhance the flow of light
• Wow factor glazed central stairwell

Vote For Paul Archer Design

Van Ellen + Sheryn – Botter Cottage

Set in the Dartmoor national park, the restoration and extension of this once rundown Georgian cottage had to comply with restrictive planning policies. Van Ellen + Sheryn created a modern addition to complement the original structure, replacing a ramshackle rear extension, and connected the two with a glazed link.

The cottage was updated with a new roof structure, sash windows and insulation packed into the floor. The new form mimics the historic structure but with modern materials – larch cladding, a zinc roof, aluminium windows and large sliding doors. An air source heat pump and underfloor heating provide a toasty living environment.

The architects responded brilliantly to the clients’ brief and budget, and the owners found Van Ellen + Sheryn offered the perfect blend of approachability and experience.

Highlights of this project:

• A generous 152m2 of extra space achieved despite restrictive planning covenants
• Modern glazed link connects old and new
• Delightful stone gable treatment

Vote for Vann Ellen + Sheryn

Welsh Oak Frame – The Bowden Cottage

When the owners of this home were told by planners that they were not allowed to replace their old cottage, they turned to Welsh Oak Frame to tweak their ideas into a workable design for a renovation.

By remodelling to create a more cohesive layout inside the cottage, creating vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms, replacing some old extensions and adding another 36m2, the team have transformed this house.

The entire ground floor, while open plan, cleverly uses the oak frame to visually divide the kitchen, dining area and living room. Meanwhile, the old lean-to pigsty has been transformed into extra living space and a music room.

The couple were impressed by Welsh Oak’s design flexibility incorporating softwood where oak wasn’t neccessary to work within the budget.

Highlights of this project:

• 36m2 of space added while retaining charm of original cottage
• Transformed layout into a more cohesive and liveable space
• Combination of softwood and hardwood to stay mindful of budget

Vote For Welsh Oak Frame