Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Entrance, Internal, Sliding & Bi-folding Doors We had just received the planning permission for the new rear extension design when the client asked us to work on the next and final phase of the site redevelopment. This second brief was a lot more complex and included an extension of the utility room, the addition of a large garage, a gym, and a golf simulation studio that doubles as a cinema room and a cellar. The project was also to cover the design of the front driveway and the whole garden (with garden designers We Love Plants). 2. Tell us a bit about the style of the house and the extension you did. I do not think you can describe easily or put a style against the design features of this house. Some details are very contemporary, while others are more traditional. I think every house should be a personal story and this is a great example of this, as the client has been involved in every aspect of the design. 3. What was the most challenging part of the build? The site slopes considerably from north to south, which has its pros and cons. The level changes gave us the opportunity to design a large part of the new building into the hill and then there was the challenge of fine-tuning the floor and ceiling levels to work with the existing house. Plus to meet the technical requirements for the golf studio, the design had to be considerate and sympathetic to the beautiful setting at the foot of Reigate Hill. I think we achieved that and the planning approval process was very straightforward. Designing and building below ground level is complicated and there were many technical challenges, but we worked with a great team - Haworth McCall as the structural engineer and Howe Construction as the contractor. 4. What was your vision for the entrance and garage? The aspiration for the garage space was to feel like a showroom connected to the house. It needed to be visible and easily accessible internally, but still, maintain privacy from outside. Externally I aimed for a garage entrance that is minimal and understated. The front oak and glass gable and porch (designed by someone else) of the house are dominant and the new external staircase enhances the grandeur. The garage wall, frames and enhances the courtyard feel. For me, the beauty is in the simplicity of the oak garage door against the white render. The garage is a continuation of the house. The space is visible from the golf simulation study via a minimal fire-rated glass partition, we have ample natural light, a delicate lighting scheme and resin flooring. 5. What was your favourite part of the build? It is very hard to choose! I think the gym is an amazing space, as is the staircase lobby with the heavy timber doors and herringbone floor. 6. Your thoughts on the doors now they are fitted? The doors are beautiful. I would love to have Urban Front doors on all my projects. Project Details: Construction Company - Howe Construction, Gardens - Nic Howard, Architect - Nova Architecture 93 THE door industry journal spring 2023
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