Floorplans for a Double-Storey 5-Bedroom Replacement Home in Surrey

Peter and Sophie Hill planned to downsize in preparation for Peter’s retirement, but instead bought a dated 1960s bungalow with the intention of adding a second storey. Fortunately, the property was just about habitable so they gave the rooms a lick of paint and lived in it for two years. They had clear ideas of what they wanted: a rear extension and a second floor above the existing bungalow with modern white render and cedar cladding. “Having lived in a period property with high ceilings, we wanted volume and light.”

Rik Hall from Arc8 Projects took on the couple’s brief and simplified the internal layout, with plans approved in six weeks. Rik took on the tender process to find a builder. Three contractors responded, but quotes averaging £617,000 prompted a new approach to the project. “Rik advised we could build from scratch for a little more money, mostly because a self build is VAT-free,” says Sophie. “We decided to go for it.”

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“We’d heard good things about timber frame,” says Sophie. “We liked the Kingspan Timber Solutions system because of the fast on-site build time and energy efficiency, with the latter being a planning requirement.” The project features Kingspan Ultima, an insulated prefabricated closed-panel wall system. Panels are delivered to site with external breathable membranes and timber battens already in place.

Rik made the front dormer bigger and raised the roof ridge slightly, creating more headroom in bedrooms. Of course, the Covid pandemic immediately impacted progress. Despite the challenges, the project progressed steadily and the couple mostly managed to avoid materials shortages and price hikes caused by the pandemic.

“We’re first on the street to knock down and start again, and we have no regrets,” says Sophie. “I often pull into our drive and think this is a lovely place to live.” Click the link in our bio now to find out more about this project.