Conservation Area
This project is a good example of maximising the existing space within a property. The building had originally been the local telephone exchange, part of the General Post Office (GPO). At the time the GPO had a standardised system build, which on an exchange of this size, used concrete portal frame for the roof structure.
When the building became redundant, it was extended to make a store / garage and then extended again to create a small entrance hall and shower with an adjoining bedroom. The accommodation, kitchen living and dining rooms were housed in the extended exchange. Our clients wanted a proper bathroom and an additional bedroom. Due to the restricted site it was not possible to extend outward, so a first floor was introduced to extend the building. As the property was in a Conservation Area, minimal changes to the external envelope were allowed under the planning consent.
The work also included installing central heating, a wood burning stove and of course, a staircase. With careful design, the staircase has minimal impact on the existing floor space.