Laura & Chris' Brentwood Home Transformation
Clients Chris and Laura approached Model Projects after purchasing a three-bedroom semi-detached home in Brentwood, seeking to transform it into both a comfortable family home and a long-term investment.
The design brief centred around increasing usable space throughout the property. This was successfully achieved through a full-width single-storey rear extension and a substantial loft conversion featuring a large dormer to the rear. Alongside the extensions, the scope of work included a complete internal and external refurbishment and redecoration.
Project Type: Renovation and Extension
Project Profile: The expansion of semi-detached house including rear extension and full loft conversion in Brentwood, Essex
Location: Brentwood, Essex
Build Time: 6 months
Originally, the layout comprised a front living room, a separate dining room, and a kitchen at the rear. Model Projects reimagined the ground floor layout to create a more free-flowing, open-plan arrangement. The rear extension unlocked space for a generous kitchen, dining area, and family snug, perfect for modern family living while retaining a formal living room to the front. A practical utility room was also incorporated, providing dedicated space for the boiler and hot water cylinder.
This transformation delivered not only enhanced functionality and flow, but also a bright, welcoming home tailored to the family's lifestyle and future plans.
To learn more about this case study or talk about your own porject, please contact us by phone at 020 7095 8833 or via email at hello@modelprojects.co.uk.
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Key Design Features
Chris and Laura envisioned a home filled with natural light and a sense of openness, a goal achieved through thoughtful design choices. At the rear of the house, large full-width bi-folding doors open onto the garden, seamlessly connecting inside and out. A fixed rooflight above the dining area further enhances the bright, airy feel, drawing daylight deep into the heart of the home.
The kitchen was laid out along the left-hand wall, with a central island housing the sink. This not only maximised worktop space but also created a natural divide between the kitchen and the dining area beyond. Outside, a new terrace was added to frame views of the garden and provide a relaxed, stylish outdoor space for entertaining.
Upstairs, the former separate WC and bathroom were reconfigured into a spacious and modern family bathroom. All bedrooms were redecorated in a fresh, contemporary palette, creating restful and functional spaces for the family.
The new loft conversion delivered a generous master suite, complete with built-in storage and a sleek ensuite bathroom. A Juliette balcony and skylights were incorporated into the design to maximise natural light and make the most of the elevated views. The ensuite features a large walk-in shower, WC, and washbasin all finished to a high standard.
Model Projects worked closely with Chris and Laura throughout, delivering a stylish and cohesive refurbishment that balanced function, light, and modern family living.
Route to Planning
Model Projects decided to utilise the property’s Permitted Development Rights.
Following this the application for planning was submitted through a Certificate of Lawfulness for both the rear extension and loft conversion with approval being granted.
Permission for the ground floor, single storey rear extension was gained under Class A - enlargement, improvement or alteration under the property’s Permitted Development.
Permission for the loft conversion was gained under Class B - the enlargement of a dwellinghouse consisting of an addition or alteration to its roof.
“My wife Laura and I hired MODEL Projects Ltd in 2014 to renovate, extend and maximise the potential of our semi detached home in Brentwood, Essex. We honestly do not know what we would have done without them! We had very little experience in home renovation and they walked us through the process step by step. They would an absolute pleasure to work with and the professional manner in which they dealt with any issues that arise were second to none! Highly recommend them constantly!”
