“From dated single-storey house to vibrant contemporary dwelling”
This project involved the extension and refurbishment of a 1970s single-storey bungalow – a housing type once common across Northern Ireland. Built in large numbers during the post-war decades, these modest homes became part of the rural and suburban fabric. However, their single-storey form made them less efficient for developers, leading to their decline in popularity. Today, these dwellings present exciting opportunities for homeowners to reimagine them for contemporary living, combining modern efficiency with new ways of connecting to space, light, and landscape.
The design transforms the existing bungalow with a bold rear extension that creates a generous open-plan kitchen and dining space at the heart of the home. Two distinctive lounge areas give the family seasonal flexibility – one a cosy, autumn–winter retreat with a log-burning stove, the other a bright spring–summer space opening directly onto the garden. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glazed doors invite natural light deep into the plan, while framing views of the newly landscaped outdoor spaces.
Externally, the existing house was refreshed with a crisp dark grey render, contrasted with a playful sunshine yellow front and garage door. In contrast, the extension introduces warmth and texture with rustic red brickwork and striking patina green copper cladding. Two expansive rooflights in the flat roof draw further daylight into the interior, enhancing the airy, open character of the extension.
The rear garden has been carefully designed to offer a variety of outdoor experiences. A sunken firepit retreat provides a sheltered social hub on cooler evenings, while raised planting beds frame a more open, paved area perfect for gatherings in warmer months. Together, the extension and garden create a home that celebrates both the legacy of the bungalow and the possibilities of modern family living.
Blending cosy interiors and expansive glazing, this refurbishment creates a dynamic home that celebrates modern living and timeless comfort.
