Case Study:
Shirley Drive, Brighton

The brief

This project involved a significant rear extension and internal reconfiguration to create a large, open-plan kitchen-dining space at the back of the house. The scope also included first-floor alterations and modernisation throughout. The overall aim was to transform the living space while ensuring the new elements blended naturally with the existing home — as though they had always been there.

The challenges

One of the key challenges was aesthetic continuity. To satisfy planning and maintain the home’s character, it was essential that the materials — especially the clay roof tiles and facing bricks — matched the existing fabric as closely as possible. This meant sourcing reclaimed and new materials that would weather in sympathetically.

Another major technical hurdle came with the installation of underfloor heating. The original flooring had to be removed and dug down extensively to accommodate the new system, requiring careful sequencing and consideration of insulation and damp protection.

The team also faced an issue with a very large roof light originally specified as a single piece — which would have been impractical to deliver and install safely.

Our approach

From the outset, the focus was on delivering a high-quality, practical build that met both visual and technical goals. For the external finishes, we sourced matching roof tiles — including reclaimed clay tiles — and used careful brick selection to ensure the new structure felt completely integrated with the original.

The underfloor heating required full floor excavation and a re-lay from the ground up, but by planning this early and working efficiently, we kept progress smooth. It also helped that the team had tackled similar projects before and knew what to expect with this type of retrofit. We worked with building control throughout, with each stage signed off as we went.

As for the oversized roof light, we worked with a specialist supplier to design a modular alternative. This allowed the client to keep the sense of light and openness without compromising buildability or cost. The modular units were craned in and assembled on site with minimal disruption — a smart, workable solution to a design challenge that could have derailed the schedule. And while the work went on, we set up a temporary kitchen for the family to keep daily life running stress-free.

The result

The completed space feels calm, bright, and completely intentional. From the outside, the new structure is almost indistinguishable from the original — a key goal for both planning and the client. Inside, the expansive open-plan kitchen diner is now the heart of the home, combining warmth and modern function with a sense of quiet quality.