The Orchard extension in Hemel Hempstead transformed a dark, dated home into a bright, modern space, blending traditional character with modern design. The project focused on creating a light-filled, family-friendly space while keeping the original apple trees that gave the house its name.
One of the main challenges was the lack of natural light in the home’s kitchen and dining areas, especially in the afternoons due to the East-facing garden. To fix this, the architect designed an extension with large windows, doors, and skylights, flooding the home with light and creating a bright, open space. During the build, another issue arose when a test pit revealed one of the walls had inadequate foundations. To ensure safety, the team decided to rebuild the wall to current standards, maintaining the structure’s stability while keeping the original look of the house.
A unique aspect of the project was preserving the 80-year-old apple trees in the garden. The family was keen to keep these trees, so the design was adapted, and additional foundation work was done to protect the roots while ensuring the extension was secure. This allowed the home to maintain its connection to its history.
Sustainability was a key goal, with triple glazing, underfloor heating, and plans for solar panels in the future. An electric vehicle (EV) charging point was installed, and the home features smart systems like Nest and Ring for heating and fire safety. Accessibility was also considered, with a ground-floor bathroom added to make the home easier to use for all family members in the future.
By solving challenges with light, structure, and sustainability, the project created a home that meets the family’s needs now and in the future, while still respecting the history of the property.