The Brief
Our clients in Winchester wanted nothing less than an exceptional kitchen — a space that combined the warmth of natural materials with the precision of contemporary design. Having renovated properties before, they had a clear vision: floor-to-ceiling glazing framing their mature garden, natural oak throughout, and a kitchen that could host everything from weeknight suppers to dinner parties for twelve.
Our Design Approach
We designed a 38m² single-storey rear extension with a dual-aspect glazing strategy. The rear wall features a 6-metre structural glass system with ultra-slim frames, whilst a side wall of fixed glazing captures morning light and views to a mature magnolia tree. The flat roof incorporates two large rectangular rooflights positioned to wash light across the kitchen worktops.
Natural oak is the unifying material: engineered oak flooring with underfloor heating, an oak-clad kitchen island with waterfall ends, and oak shelving set against a feature wall of textured porcelain tiles. The contrast between warm timber and cool grey surfaces creates a sophisticated palette that feels both luxurious and liveable.
Planning and Approvals
This extension fell within Permitted Development rights. We obtained a Lawful Development Certificate and secured Building Regulations approval addressing structural steelwork, thermal performance of the extensive glazing, and flat roof drainage design with overflow provision.
Key Design Features
- Dual-aspect glazing: Rear and side glazing creating panoramic garden views
- Oak island: Substantial island with waterfall oak cladding, integrated hob and seating for six
- Statement lighting: Three oversized brass pendant lights above the island creating a focal point
- Textured feature wall: Porcelain tiles with a natural stone texture providing visual depth
- Wine storage: Temperature-controlled wine cabinet integrated into the kitchen design
The Result
This Winchester kitchen has become a showcase of what is possible when clients with clear taste work with experienced designers. The combination of natural materials, extensive glazing and considered lighting creates a room that changes character throughout the day — bright and energising in the morning, warm and atmospheric in the evening. It is the kind of kitchen that makes people stop and stare, then immediately want to sit down and stay.
Cost and Package Guidance
For a 38m² kitchen extension in Winchester, the biggest budget variables are usually structural steelwork, glazing specification, drainage changes, foundation conditions and final kitchen, bathroom or joinery choices. Hampshire Build's fixed-fee design packages give homeowners clear design-cost certainty before construction begins, with Essential, Pre-Build and Premium options depending on how much technical documentation and contractor support is needed. The design fee is separate from builder costs, planning fees, Building Control fees and any third-party specialist reports, so clients can make informed decisions without confusing design work with the wider construction budget.
Local Context and Practical Considerations
Projects in Winchester benefit from early attention to neighbouring amenity, overlooking, daylight, access for builders and material choices that sit comfortably with the existing street scene. On this project, the drawings needed to communicate not only the look of the extension but also how it would work technically: roof drainage, insulation build-ups, structural openings, floor levels and practical circulation through the home. That level of detail helps planning officers, Building Control and builders understand the proposal clearly, reducing avoidable questions and giving the homeowner a stronger basis for the next stage of their extension journey.
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