Botley Road, Bishops Waltham

Overview

This project involved assisting the owners of a large residential property who were looking to make better use of their existing footprint. Their main objective was to extend into the roof space to create additional living accommodation. However, the roof structure presented a unique challenge - comprising of three separate voids, the design required careful coordination to fill and link these voids to create a cohesive and functional new upper floor.

In addition to the loft conversion, the clients wished to connect their detached garage to the main house and transform it into an annex incorporating a dedicated home cinema.

Design Approach

During the planning stage, ecological considerations became central to the project. It was evident on initial inspection that bats used the roof spaces for roosting, with further surveys and reports being completed by an ecologist. Working closely with the ecologist, we adapted the proposal to ensure that a suitable and long-term habitat would be retained. This included refinements to the roof design, careful detailing of access points, and appropriate mitigation measures to ensure compliance while allowing the project to progress.

When looking to the annex space, we needed to create a design that not only bridged the gap between the two structures but also created a high-quality, flexible space suitable for both everyday use and entertainment.

Outcome

The resulting scheme delivers a well-integrated extension that enhances both the functionality and enjoyment of the property. By resolving complex roof geometry and ensuring ecological protection, the project strikes a balance between client requirements and environmental responsibility. The annex with home cinema provides a both exciting and practical features, and the reconfigured loft space offers generous new bedrooms which align seamlessly with the original house. Planning permission was granted for the proposals, and works are in progress. With the ground floor and annexe works completed and roof works underway, we look forward to seeing this project upon completion.