PROJECT FOCUS
SECOND AVENUE
The clients approached ABL3 Architects to provide a side extension and to explore ideas for their “ middle ” room , which would lose light and risked having little use . ABL3 delivered a side extension , kitchen , dining room , snug and utility room that suited the family of five perfectly .
The client was a growing family of five who loved their home but needed more space . With a small garden , they had limited scope for a massive extension . Their priority was a kitchen with room for an island and a dining table that could seat up to 10 for entertaining . However , as there would be only five people using the kitchen during the week , they were concerned about the table taking up unnecessary space .
ABL3 Architects came up with a concept that met both needs . They designed a kitchen island with an integrated dining table that pulls out . During the week , the five family members use the island , while at weekends the table comes out for entertaining .
The dining table wasn ’ t the only challenge that the ABL3 team faced . Due to the way that water comes down from the property ’ s roof , the team had to pull structure away from it , essentially delivering a wraparound extension and meaning there was exposed steel at the end of the kitchen run , as well as an area with a dropped ceiling . Keen to maximise every inch of space , the team worked within these parameters to turn the end of the kitchen into a reading nook , with a corner window and a bench seat . ABL3 painted the exposed steel pink and made a feature of it , adding a hidden bookshelf beside it at the end of the reading snug .
The reading area provided the family with an additional space to enjoy but without eating into any more garden space , while also working with the practicalities of collecting the water on the roof . Outside , meanwhile , the team included a full-length storage run with a bench seat .
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