Reimagining an existing dwelling in Leamington Spa - Plan juxtaposition
Artist’s impressions, computer generated images, visualisations and a fresh wave of artificial intelligence imagery can steal the headlines when it comes to an architectural proposal.
Whilst the visualisations can be attractive, this isn’t fantasy architecture. Many private homeowner clients are working to strict budgets. The architecture must work. We are crafting spaces to defined financial figures. The results need to be obtainable.
So what should you be getting for your money when you work with an architect? You should be getting spaces that work. Spaces that bring enjoyment. Spaces that prevent you needing to move home. Spaces that capitalise on opportunities.
Existing Ground Floor and First Floor Plans
Proposed Ground Floor and First Floor Plans
Placing attractive imagery aside, and stripping a scheme back to a juxtaposition between existing and proposed plans, we can see the spatial strategy that underpins subsequent flash visualisations.
The existing and proposed plans exhibited here are of a live conservation project in Leamington Spa, crafted by Unity Architects. The proposed plans respond to the Initial Project Brief, which has been developed between the architect and client. Many design drivers are documented within an Initial Project Brief, including key spaces a client would like to create.
A ground floor accommodation schedule comparison of key spaces looks like this:
Existing Ground Floor
-Kitchen
-Living
-Office
-WC
Proposed Ground Floor
-Kitchen
-Dining
-Living
-Office
-Micro Spa
-Gym
-Utility
-Pantry
-Cloaks and Boots Room
-Entrance Canopy
Existing Ground Floor Plan
Proposed Ground Floor Plan
It is obvious to conclude that the proposed ground floor arrangement offers far greater versatility, with different types of spaces that cater to the specific requirements of the family.
The spaces are weighted, ensuring the size and proportions are suitable for the number of users.
The spaces are also arranged in zones. The proposed plan splits the building in two. One half contains functional spaces. The other half offers social and pleasurable spaces.
The arrangement is both efficient and poetic. Contemplating core day to day activities, at the most simplistic level of entering and leaving the dwelling, clothes washing, food deliveries, muddy boots etc allows us to position spaces in the optimum locations for efficiency. We then focus on locating the pleasurable spaces to portions of the building with the greatest aspect, daylight, privacy, relationship with external amenity and so forth.
The proposed ground floor exhibited has been created using only 34m2 of additional footprint. We believe this represents exceptional efficiency and resultant value to the client.
A similar floor area addition has been made at the upper level (30m2) and we can compare as follows:
Existing First Floor
-3no. bedrooms with capacity for king-sized beds
-1no. ‘box’ bedroom
-Family Bathroom
Proposed First Floor
-3no. bedrooms with capacity for king-sized beds
-1no. principal bedroom with capacity for a super king-sized bed
-Dressing room to the principal bedroom
-Family Bathroom
-2no. En-suites
-Breakout study space
Exiting First Floor Plan
Proposed First Floor Plan
Whilst the exhibited plans respond to the family’s specific requirements, the scheme is representative of efficient growth; intensification of the existing spaces initially, before increasing the building footprint by a measured amount.
The resultant dwelling is now poised for current and future family living, with spaces that are versatile and responsive to modern needs.
Unity Architects specialise in creating beautiful spaces that enrich the lives of our clients. Whether it be XS, S, M, L or XL, feel free to make contact and discuss your development ambitions.