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HOME EXTENSIONS

Home Extensions North London - Bubble Architects

REAR EXTENSIONS

 

We have completed many rear extensions to both houses and flats in North London. The properties include Victorian, Edwardian and contemporary houses including those within Conservation areas. We work closely with our clients to create more living space in the kitchen/ dining areas, living rooms, extra storage and improving the connection to the garden.

We prepare planning applications/permitted development applications, building regulations, party wall notices to your neighbours and provision of construction drawings. Having worked in this area for many years, we can also assist with obtaining the right contractors for your project. We can advise you on Interior Design including kitchen layouts, bathrooms design, lighting, finishes and colour schemes.

SIDE EXTENSION


A Side Return Extension is a great opportunity to economically add space to an existing property.Many London houses have an underused external space to the side and extending into that space can create a full width room to the rear of your property.

We prepare planning application including those within conservation area, party wall notices, building regulations, construction drawings and choosing the right contractor for your project. We can advise you on Interior Design including kitchen layouts, bathrooms design, lighting, finishes and colour schemes.

We have completed many side return extensions in North London.

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our process

Concept Design

The design process for a home extension begins with a thorough understanding of the your brief, where we engage in a comprehensive discussion to ascertain your vision, needs, and preferences. Following by site visit we evaluate the existing conditions and constraints of your home.

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Planning Application

Depending on the size of your proposed extension and where it is located, there are different planning requirements:

  • Permitted Development Rights
  • Planning Permission
  • Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas

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Technical Design

In the detailed design for the extension of a home, builders need comprehensive information to accurately estimate costs. This includes detailed architectural drawings including dimensions, layout, and structural requirements of the extension.

READ MORE BELOW

Construction

Your dream home extension can start! Initially, site preparation is undertaken, including clearing the area, securing necessary permissions, health & safety requirements and setting up the construction zone.

READ MORE BELOW

Get in touch!

CONCEPT DESIGN

 

The design process for a home extension begins with a thorough understanding of your brief, where we engage in a comprehensive discussion to ascertain your vision, needs, and preferences. Following by site visit we evaluate the existing conditions and constraints of your home. We engage in a discussion about budget and how we will meet your aspirations. Regular communication and feedback refine the design and address all your concerns.

We strive to create a home extension that not only meets practical needs but also reflects the unique personality and style preferences of the homeowners.

PLANNING APPLICATION

 

Depending on the size of your proposed extension and where it is located, there are different planning requirements:

Permitted Development Rights: Some smaller extensions may fall under permitted development rights, which means you can proceed without the need for a planning permission. However, these rights are subject to certain limitations and conditions, such as the size and height of the extension.  Flats do not comply with PD rights.

In principle, single story rear extensions can extend outward by 3m for terraces and semi-detached houses and 4m for detached houses. Height restrictions are in principle: 4m to ridge and 3m to eaves.

There are further prior approval rights which we are happy to explain. Please give us a call, we offer a 30 min free telephone consultation.

Planning Permission: Larger extensions or those that do not meet the criteria for permitted development will likely require planning permission. This involves submitting an application to the local planning authority, detailing your proposed extension and its impact on the surrounding area. Double storey extensions need full planning permission. Some local planning policies can impose a height restriction of 2m along the boundary line for any extension. Typically, we deal with this by having the low side of a pitched roof along the boundary line.

Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas: If your property is a listed building or located in a conservation area, additional restrictions will apply and you may need specific consent for alterations or extensions. Conservation areas will generally require a Full Planning Permission.

TECHNICAL DESIGN

 

In the detailed design for the extension of a home, builders need comprehensive information to accurately estimate costs. This includes detailed architectural drawings including dimensions, layout, and structural requirements of the extension. Clear and concise floor plans, elevations, and cross-sections should be provided, indicating the placement of doors, windows, and any architectural features.

Additionally, detailed specifications for materials and finishes are crucial for precise costing. This should encompass everything from the type of flooring and roofing materials to the fixtures and fittings in bathrooms and kitchens.

A Structural Engineer input is required at this stage. Depending whether you wish to have an improved sustainable home, a Mechanical & Electrical Engineer is required.

A meticulous and detailed design package is crucial for builders cost certainty.

CONSTRUCTION

 

Your dream home extension can start! Initially, site preparation is undertaken, including clearing the area, securing necessary permissions, health & safety requirements and setting up the construction zone. Foundation work follows, new structure connecting to the original. Subsequently utilities such as plumbing and electrical systems are integrated. Final stages involve interior finishing, including drywall, flooring, and painting, transforming the construction site into a functional and aesthetically pleasing extended living space. At the end we do a snagging defects assessment and once Building regulation certificate is achieved, you can move in to your new space.

DO YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

 

Please follow the link below to our Q&A section. You can always get in touch with us and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible. 

North London Home Extensions – Common Questions

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Minnie

In the corner of the room, her bed lies still,
No more the gentle paws that roamed at will.
Minnie, our friend, with eyes so kind,
Left paw prints of love on every mind.

Her wagging tail, a welcome so bright,
Turned long workdays into pure delight.
She'd sit by our side, a comforting guide,
In her quiet way, she was our pride.

Her little nose would nudge for a treat,
Or curl up beneath us, so warm, so sweet.
Now the office feels a bit less whole,
For Minnie brought joy that filled the soul.

Though she’s gone, her spirit stays,
In every corner, in countless ways.
We miss her dearly, her love so true,
Minnie, our friend, we’ll always miss you.

 

 

 

 

Lottie

Lottie is our rescue dog. She is a Portuguese podengo mix and she is very happy to be with us in the office. She enjoys many cuddles, kisses and treats from everbody underneath their tables!

 

 

 

 

Patricia Hickey

Over the past 25 years Patricia Hickey has worked as an Architect and Sustainability Coach in Germany and throughout the UK.

Patricia began her career in Germany at small design practices. She moved to London in 2002 where she joined one of UK’s leading commercial practices, 3DReid. There she established a strong background in residential and retail schemes for the UK market.

She has led major developments and social housing schemes, including a 535-unit-residential-led mixed-use scheme, through planning and construction stage.

Since setting up bubble architects, she focuses on delivering high quality housing schemes in UK. Her core skills include the ability to deliver complex schemes to tight deadlines and on budget.

Patricia qualified at the Universities Carolo Wilhemina Brunswick, Technical University Berlin and Westminster University London. She has a particular interest and expertise in sustainability.

She is a licenced BRE Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor and External Examiner at Kingston University, School of Art, London.

Michael Hickey

Michael Hickey established bubble architects with Patricia at the end of 2009 to focus on producing well designed and commercially successful residential led proposals.

Educated at the DIT in Dublin Ireland, he originally qualified as an Architectural Technologist before coming to London in 1983. He subsequently studied at the London MET where he studied architecture. He has worked for a number of top 10 UK practices.

Prior to setting up bubble architects, he was the design lead and coach at one of UK’s leading commercial practices. He was responsible for developing a wide variety of schemes including high end residential projects in Park Lane and Mayfair London. His last scheme at that practice was nominated for `best new Office Building’ in Central London by the British Council of Offices.

With over 35 years of experience, Michael understands both the commercial aspects of the industry together with the planning framework within which they will be developed. He enjoys the combination of conceptual design as well as technical design development.

 

Iain Sang

Ian Sang joined the bubble team in 2014.

Ian is originally from Glasgow but trained in Manchester, where he briefly worked and in Edinburgh. He headed to London way back in 1975 to specialize in housing design, which he has done ever since in both public and private sectors.

Most recently he was technical director at Sprunt Architects where he was responsible for monitoring and ensuring the technical accuracy and quality of all the output from three architectural design teams and one landscape design team.

If you would like to know more about Ian’s work and experience please visit his website iansangarchitect.com.

 

 

Salome Ripoll

Salomé graduated in Architecture at Technical School of Architecture of Barcelona. Before moving to London, Salomé worked at Barcelona’s Public Space Department gaining knowledge in urban spaces and furniture. She combined it with being a Teaching Assistant at the Structure’s Department at her University.

Salome joined bubble architects in October 2016. She is Associate Director leading several residential projects from design to managing projects and completion on site.

 

 

Francesco Bonomo

Born in Milan Francesco completed a Bachelor’s Degree at Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and the Master’s Degree in Sustainable Architecture at IUAV (Architectural University of Venice).

He worked for various Italian firms where he was involved in different types of projects at different architectural scales including residential, office and commercial buildings. Francesco joined Bubble Architects in October 2018 when he moved to London.

 

 

 

Ashriya Gurung

Born in Nepal, since moving to the UK, Ashriya has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at the University of West of England in Bristol. Before joining the bubble team in February 2021, she has worked at architects’ practices between semesters where she would assist in making models and drawings for projects involving residential, church buildings, and office conversion. After completing her studies, she joined bubble architects and is now working on a range of projects, primarily residential through different design stages.