Rear Extensions and Level Changes: Key Considerations for Planning and Design
when planning a rear extension for your home, level changes and site gradients are crucial factors that can significantly impact both the design and functionality of the space. if the ground level of your extension exceeds a 300mm increase in height, it's essential to seek planning permission. this regulation ensures that the extension integrates harmoniously with the existing property and surrounding environment, preventing potential drainage issues and preserving privacy for neighbours.
one of the most important aspects of a rear extension with level changes is managing drainage effectively. any increase in height can affect water flow, so it's vital to incorporate proper drainage systems, such as french drains or surface water channels, to prevent flooding or waterlogging. ensuring that the ground slopes away from the house will also protect the foundation from moisture damage.
additionally, achieving flush transitions between the inside and outside spaces is key to creating a seamless flow. Whether through large sliding doors or bi-fold windows, these transitions help open up the living area, connecting your interior with the garden. this design element is especially valuable in summer, allowing for an expansive, light-filled environment that invites the outdoors in, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the warmer months
Feel free to reach out by phone, or call into our studios for a complimentary consultation with our team.
16a's architecturally designed eco home in the local liverpool press
'Eco home' for sale that could save owners more than £2k on bills - Liverpool Echo
6 Park West, Wirral, stands as a stunning example of eco-friendly, luxury architectural design, setting new standards for residential renovations in the area. With an emphasis on sustainability, this property has undergone a top-of-the-range renovation, incorporating the latest advancements in green technology, from heat pumps to solar panels, seamlessly blending style with environmental responsibility.
The renovation of 6 Park West is a showcase of intricate detailing and sustainable innovation, catering to the modern homeowner's desire for both luxury and eco-conscious living. Local Wirral architects and residential design experts have praised the project for its thoughtful integration of green technology without compromising on aesthetics. The property boasts advanced heat pump systems, ensuring energy-efficient heating throughout the year while reducing carbon emissions. Solar panels have been meticulously installed to harness renewable energy, further reducing the home's ecological footprint.
From an architectural perspective, the design at 6 Park West prioritises not just energy efficiency, but also long-term sustainability, making it a model for future residential developments in the Wirral and beyond. Luxury finishes and bespoke design details add to the property’s appeal, proving that sustainability can indeed coexist with high-end, modern living.
Local architects specialising in eco-friendly design and high-end renovations will find this project particularly inspiring. Its cutting-edge approach to eco-design is set to influence future projects across Wirral, offering a blueprint for those seeking to reduce energy consumption while maintaining a sophisticated, contemporary look.
For anyone interested in sustainable architecture, eco-friendly design, or luxury renovation in Wirral, 6 Park West is a prime example of how thoughtful design can combine luxury with sustainability
trend report: bar/restaurant design: nostalgia
we have recently seen the emergence of nostalgia in bar and restaurant design which will continue through into 2025.
think velvety textures, wooden tones, and geometric shapes combined with warm colours that invoke echoes of the past. lighting plays a huge role in setting the mood for memory and contemporary lighting can help keep the design current and fresh.
in other schemes, designers may highlight vintage ceiling beams and feature reclaimed furniture which also ties in nicely with the ongoing need for sustainability and conscious design.
the key to a successful design is the balance between old and new favouring nostalgia over novelty with a focus placed on how people interact with an interior.
beginners diner, san diego by ch projects & post company
beginners diner is one of five f&b venues opened at san diego’s lafayette hotel. the eatery's chrome frontage and neon signs draw customers into a 1940s-inspired diner. once inside pops of chrome, rich red upholstery, cherry wood panelling and sconce lights evoke a strong feeling of nostalgia and pay tribute to the traditional americana dishes served.
fotografiska museum, berlin by studio aisslinger
this contemporary museum of photography, art, and culture also features a restaurant, bars, a cafe, and a ballroom alongside its extensive gallery space.
the listed building that once homed the famous kunsthaus tacheles artists’ squat, has been extensively renovated though the large-scale graffiti protected by preservation orders remains. in contrast to this gritty backdrop studio aisslinger successfully combined high-end finishes, a retro colour palette and mid-century modern furniture creating the perfect mix of old and new.
de witt, dordrecht, by studio modijefsky
studio modijefsky is at the forefront of hospitality design in the netherlands. their designs often lean into nostalgia through their use of materials and colour schemes and by relating design to the location's context. however, thoughtful space planning and design maintain a contemporary feel. de witt, a brasserie and cinema space, is a perfect example of this.
