Lifetime Design

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Client's Brief

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When clients brief us about their needs for a new house or residential extension they usually focus on current needs, often driven by children. However as Architects we know that a well designed home needs to adapt to change over time.

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If spaces are flexible, they can meet current needs and allow for change. Here are some hints and tips to change your new house or extension into a ‘lifetime home’.

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Party House!

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One of the joys of a lovely home is sharing it with family and friends and so you'll want to make sure that you have space for a party.

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Kitchen/Dining

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Why does everyone end up in the Kitchen? Because your guests feel most relaxed there. A kitchen island with high stools encourages guests sit and keep you company and can double as a serving area.

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Few families use a Dining Room regularly, but its a great asset for hosting a dinner party. Remember that you will be hosting holiday meals such as Easter or Christmas and of course birthdays throughout the year so provide space for a slightly larger number than you might normally expect.

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Sitting Room

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Expansive interiors start with a good sized Sitting Room and open connections to the rest of the house and garden. Interconnected spaces make hosting easier and your house feel larger.

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Outdoor Entertaining

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See our page about outdoor living.

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Also see our page about inside-outside space

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Ground Floor Study/Bedroom

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A study/bedroom at ground floor level with a generously sized shower room allows for future disabled use.

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Entrance Area

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First impressions are important! Your entrance should be warm and inviting, clutter free, and large enough for a few people gather if the weather is poor. Think about shoe storage and coats. 

 

Parking

 

Allow for a parking space 3.3m wide close to the house with a level or gently sloping well lit path to the front door. A covered entrance gives you space to find your keys when its raining and make sure there is a low threshold to the entrance door.

 

Sustainability

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Wherever you can you use low maintenance materials and invest in insulation and renewable energy features to keep energy bills low.