Week 6

Blog 8- Introduction to Project 2

This week I have been working on the second project of my work placement. This next project is a large extension on the back of a semi-detached, 1920’s house, in Glasgow. This extension will be turned into a large kitchen/dining/tv room and the old kitchen being turned into a bathroom/utility room. Karim, my supervisor, has already drawn up plans for the exterior of the extension and the basic layout of the house, but he has asked me to assist him in finding the perfect layout for the client. We want to make sure the space is being utilised to it’s full potential before adding all the interior fixtures and fittings.

The biggest challenge for this project is going to be deciding on which layout works best. Karim has proposed two layouts to the client, one extension is 35m2 and the other 60m2. Although the larger extension sounds like a plan, it obviously come at a much greater cost- a significant increase. So in the early stages of this project, my job is to work out which design will work best, which one will be most cost effective and more value for money. As this is a massive investment for the client, it is essential that I get this right.

Existing plan of house. This is NOT my drawing.

Small extension plan 35m2. This is NOT my drawing.

Large extension plan 60m2. This is NOT my drawing.

The CAD plans above are not my drawings. Karim, my supervisor, has allowed me to use these drawings in the early stages of this project, as we are working together at this stage. Later on in the project, I will obviously draw up my own CAD plans, when finalising my design proposals.

As you can see in these drawings, there is a massive difference in the sizes of the extensions. At first glance, I thought that the larger extension would be the most favoured option, but in theory, you can make both extensions not only stunning but just as functional as each other.

To get things kicked off, I will work on creating layout proposals for the client and doing some research into existing extensions and décor that the client may like. The one thing that the client has asked for, is that the extension must be contemporary. From the last project, I have learned that is so important to keep the client involved from the get go because there may be one tiny concept that they don’t like, especially when this is a new addition to their home.