Although the balcony was feasible, the option to use a balcony rooflight, such as the Cabrio by Velux, seemed like a more affordable and flexible option for this couple.

A rooflight balcony would maintain the same mezzanine space internally but allow them to open it up during the summer to create the balcony as and when they wanted it.

​Let's face it the UK isn't blessed with all year round sunshine so sunbathing and cocktails in the evening sunshine is unlikely to be a daily occurrence, unless we see some dramatic effects from Climate Change.

Early in 2015 I visited our client at home in Bramhall, Cheshire. We sat around the kitchen table to discuss our clients wishes for their home and what they needed for their project. Now a completed extension, this blog is a review of what we achieved with this project in a small space on a tight budget.

"I needed some professional drawings for a small extension to my kitchen and advice on building regs, etc. I had a rough plan with my initial ideas and someone to build it but needed some more accurate plans that my builder could build from. The house is 300 years old so nothing is straight!"

The planned extension was small needing to fit in a lot of functionality. The brief included:

• new downstairs loo
• cloakroom
• larger dining area off the kitchen
  
• new entrance hall
• covered unheated porch
• to feel like sitting in the garden
• maintain maximum light into the kitchen

As this was a small project, not requiring planning permission, of traditional build and our client had a competent builder in place, it was possible for the project to progress with only our sketch design. The client and builder made all decisions on detailed design, although we were available should our support be required during construction. Building regulations were dealt with on notice by the builder.

Although the space was limited we managed to create:

• new downstairs loo, with easy access giving more privacy upstairs
• new front door position, visible from the road making it easier to find especially for deliveries
• larger space for dining, with better light and direct views and access into the garden
• cloakroom area with dedicated space for coats and storage in the new hall
• gallery space

"I really enjoyed our discussions and solutions and everyone was really excited by the plans. The extension took 5 months but it is now finished and we have the final sign off certificate."

If you want to make a massive difference to your life with some home improvements let us know and book your own Home Design Workshop with iarchitect.