“Thank you for your excellent work on our home. The virtual images you created were invaluable in visualising the design and selecting our preferred options. The building plans were perfectly detailed, ensuring seamless collaboration with the contractor and passing building regulations effortlessly. Highly recommended!”

– Private Client

• Location: Ruthin, Denbighshire

• Client: Private

• Sector: Residential

• Category: Refurbishment and Remodelling

• RIBA Work Stages: RIBA Stages 0–7

• Construction Value: Circa £65,000

• Project Duration: September 2023 - January 2024

• Gross Internal Area (GIA): 62m² / 670ft²

• Collaborators: Vale Consultancy (Structural & Civil Engineers) | Gareth Lewis Building Contractors (Contractor) | Nathan Roberts Photography (Photography)

This project encompassed a transformative ground floor refurbishment, reimagining the kitchen, lounge, dining area, WC, hallway, and storage spaces. The original configuration suffered from inefficient use of space and restricted natural light, an issue exacerbated by the towering trees at the rear of the property. The redesign aimed to address these challenges while creating a harmonious and functional living environment.

The original hallway design included a winding corridor that awkwardly navigated around the dining room into the kitchen, creating a disjointed and inefficient use of space. To remedy this, the hallway was streamlined by removing the corridor, resulting in a more cohesive layout. This reconfiguration also created two generously sized storage spaces. The staircase storage was replaced with open-tread stairs, allowing light to cascade through the space, seamlessly connecting the front and rear of the property via the glazed kitchen doors.

A significant layout transformation involved flipping the locations of the kitchen and dining areas. The former corridor space, alongside the updated utility room, now provides a more practical configuration, including a large pantry adjacent to the kitchen. This innovative reconfiguration not only maximised the usability of the space but also introduced a modern aesthetic.

The design process was highly collaborative, beginning with multiple plan options and evolving through detailed models and visualisations. These tools were instrumental in helping the client visualise the final layout and address their initial hesitations about altering a layout they had lived with for decades. This iterative process allowed the client to feel confident and invested in the changes.

My role encompassed several critical responsibilities, including design and building regulations submission, ensuring the project adhered to necessary compliance without requiring planning permission or permitted development approvals. I also managed and integrated subcontractor information into the design and acted as the bridge between the client and the contractor to ensure smooth communication and execution of the design vision.

Regular site visits were conducted to ensure that the work was carried out to the appropriate standard, addressing any issues promptly and maintaining alignment with the project’s objectives. The project required a meticulous approach, balancing practical considerations with aesthetic goals to achieve a cohesive result. The client’s input was invaluable in refining the details and ensuring the outcome reflected their preferences.

The result is a layout that better aligns with modern living standards. The reconfigured spaces provide a practical and aesthetically pleasing environment for the family. Additionally, the snug area offers flexibility for future use, such as converting into a dining space if the property is ever sold. The refurbishment not only improved functionality but also enhanced the overall ambience of the home, demonstrating how thoughtful design can transform a dated and inefficient layout into a light-filled, versatile space.