Belair

Belair is a 1973 bungalow – it would have to be really with a name like that – built by local architect Peter Falconer. The thoughtfully detailed plans and elevations were found in the attic, but unfortunately the builder’s vision didn’t match the architect’s and it was a sad collection of old chipboard and curling asbestos floor tiles when it was put up for sale after thirty years of being lived in by the same person.

Bringing it into the 21st Century

We bought the house for its double height living and kitchen area with large south facing windows that bring light and warmth into the space even in the middle of winter.

The obvious drawback to open plan living is the lack of privacy and inability to get away from each other, so we decided to add a large extension which would deal with the problem and give us the potential for a completely self-contained apartment if we needed it. The build of the vestibule (all purpose bicycle mending clothes drying and gym space) living/sleeping room, utility and bathroom started in August 2009; designed by Richard it has underfloor heating throughout and our ageing oil-fired boiler and ugly steel oil tank have been replaced by a Mitsubishi air-source heat pump backed up by solar heating panels and acres of insulation.