Ground floor extension & interiors
Kenilworth, Warwickshire
Ground floor extension & interiors
Kenilworth, Warwickshire
Set within a conservation area, this extension has been thoughtfully designed to bring in plenty of natural light and create a bright, welcoming space for the family, all while respecting the character of the original home and preserving the courtyard.
The Project
Located within a Conservation area, this project replaces an outdated conservatory with a carefully designed extension that respects and reinforces the character of the original Victorian home.
The new addition maintains the existing footprint of the conservatory it replaces while echoing the property’s roofline, materials, and traditional detailing. A pitched slate roof, matching brickwork, and discreet conservation roof lights were selected to ensure the extension sits comfortably within its historic setting, while elegant bay doors open onto the courtyard.
The bay doors are a key design feature. Their subtle projection creates sufficient internal depth to accommodate a kitchen island without extending the full footprint further into the courtyard. This approach preserves valuable outdoor space and protects the importance of the courtyard, while still delivering a generous, light filled kitchen designed for modern family life.
The result is a thoughtful addition that gives the family more space to live and enjoy, while respecting the character of the home and its setting.
The original house
The original house had a low quality conservatory extension housing the kitchen, a space that overheated in summer and was too cold to use comfortably in winter. As a result, the room was difficult to enjoy year round, limiting family use and making everyday activities like cooking and socialising uncomfortable.
Planning Permission
Conservation requirements and the need to retain the courtyard to the side of the extension were key planning considerations for this project. A central feature, the bay doors, project subtly to provide enough internal depth for a kitchen island without extending the footprint into the courtyard. This approach preserves valuable outdoor space, protects the historic setting, and delivers the spacious, light filled family kitchen the clients had envisioned.
The result is a carefully considered, sensitive extension that not only met all conservation and planning requirements but will allow the homeowners to enjoy one of the few properties in the area not limited to a traditional galley kitchen.
The Design
During the design process, PaperDog Architecture explored a range of options in 3D, allowing the family to virtually walk through each space and experience it before it is built.
We carefully considered natural light, views, and how to make the most of the space, particularly given the constraints of the site’s width and Conservation status. This approach ensured the final design felt spacious, practical, and connected to its surroundings.