The Brief
With four children under twelve, our Basingstoke clients needed their home to work significantly harder. The three-bedroom house had been fine when the family was smaller, but bedrooms were now shared, the hallway was a permanent obstacle course of shoes and school bags, and the separate kitchen and dining room made mealtimes a logistical exercise. The brief prioritised practical solutions over aesthetic statements — this family needed a home that could handle the daily reality of six people living under one roof.
Our Design Approach
We designed a substantial 50m² two-storey extension to the rear and side. The ground floor creates a large open-plan kitchen-family room with a dedicated homework zone, a separate utility room housing laundry appliances and a boot room area by the side entrance. Upstairs, two new bedrooms give each child their own space.
Storage was central to the design. We incorporated built-in cupboards throughout — floor-to-ceiling storage in the hallway for coats and school bags, a full-height larder in the kitchen, built-in wardrobes in each new bedroom, and an airing cupboard on the new landing. These practical details make more difference to daily family life than any design flourish.
Planning and Approvals
The two-storey element required full planning permission from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Our application included detailed plans demonstrating that the extension would not adversely affect neighbouring properties — particularly important on this relatively compact estate where houses are close together. Permission was granted in 8 weeks with a condition regarding matching materials.
Key Design Features
- Boot room: Dedicated entrance with storage for coats, shoes and school bags — the hallway stays clear
- Homework zone: Built-in desk area within the kitchen-family room for supervised homework
- Utility room: Separate space for laundry, freeing the kitchen from washing machine noise
- Individual bedrooms: Two new bedrooms giving each child their own private space
- Integrated storage: Built-in cupboards, wardrobes, larder and airing cupboard throughout
The Result
This extension proves that the best family homes are designed around how people actually live. The boot room alone has transformed the family's morning routine — no more hunting for school shoes in the hallway. The homework zone means parents can supervise while cooking dinner. And individual bedrooms have given each child the personal space every growing child needs. Our clients say it feels like they have moved into a much bigger house without leaving their street.
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