Darley House – Derby
The property owners had previously obtained planning permission for a single-story extension, but they reevaluated their medium-term needs and the potential value of their plot. To make the best decision, they considered whether replacing or extending the existing 1960’s house would be the most suitable approach. After exploring initial sketch designs and holding meetings, it became evident that a full renovation, coupled with expanding the floor space, would be the most cost-effective and practical way to meet their design requirements. Throughout the project, the owners maintained a strong focus on reducing embodied energy use during construction, which was a key priority.
Initially, we explored additions with pitched roofs, but none of the proposals harmonized well with the existing house, and they failed to provide sufficient floor space to be viable. Drawing inspiration from our successful RIBA award-winning design at Quarn Lodge in Quarndon, we opted for a similar massing process. This involved separating the mass of the new additions from the existing property, creating contrast through form and material. The site’s nature as a corner plot allowed for a more prominent and distinguished house, which the design effectively achieves.
A challenge we faced was the high neighboring boundaries, which raised concerns about potential dark central rooms. To address this, we introduced glazed walls throughout the house, enabling natural light to filter into the ground floor while maintaining the connection between rooms. Additionally, strategically positioned external windows ensured that natural light could be drawn into the kitchen area.
The property owners displayed a keen eye for interiors and skillfully utilized the abundant natural light to create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout their home. By seamlessly integrating the naturally illuminated spaces with their interior design choices, they achieved a truly welcoming and harmonious living environment.
