Side return with additional bedroom layout help

9 months ago

We have a two bedroom ground floor flat and will either need to add one bedroom or move! Since we do love our area, we'd prefer to make the flat work with an additional bedroom. We could do a basement conversion, however costs seem prohibitive at the moment, therefore we are thinking about a side return extension to accommodate an extra bedroom. Below are floorplans of the current flat, the space total space we could get with the side return and two ideas of how to add a bedroom. Speaking to builders and architects so far, they do seem to advise against it, as it is not conventional and would disturb the balance of the flat. However we are still keen to make it work. Any advice or other ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Featured Answer

Isla Cherry

9 months ago

Even with the extension I think the living space will still be compromised by the addition of a third bedroom. I would get your proposal costed properly and also explore any possibility of buying a three bedroom flat instead of extending. The current floorplan has a good division of bedrooms on one side and living space on the other. You are proposing a sort of merged space with the new bedroom having a living space directly alongside it. I don't think entering your bedroom off the kitchen is ideal. You don't want to spoil the existing layout. I think that long skinny bedroom is out of proportion to the living space.

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Comments (11)

siobhanmcgee90
9 months ago
I’m with Isla here. This will devalue your existing home and make it difficult to sell. Sorry but I would advise you to move.
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Linda Nadia
9 months ago
Thanks a lot for your input both! The trouble with 3 bed flats in our area is that a lot a seem to have been converted and one of the bedrooms is usually very small. I’ve attached some floor plans of flats I’ve seen on the market which gave us the idea to convert. Do you see the same issue with those flats or do you think they work better?
PRO
studiomoodetc
9 months ago
Hello,

I had a look at your plans and I came up with this idea. It's only an idea at this point as it's not to scale, but with the right execusion I think it could work.

As you see I have moved the kitchen to the other side creating a galley layout which ends with those big lovely garden doors.

I have created a new bedroom where the old kitchen was. I know it's not huge but a kingsize bed and some wardrobes would fit into it nicely. If you have tall ceilings you could create some kind of glazed panel in the wall between the new bedroom and the lounge area to give it more natural light.

Remember to use as much glazing as you can for the light well - you could clad it in mirror to further reflect the light and the planting.

What do you think about this idea?

Jarek

www.studiomoodetc.com
tab darcy
9 months ago
I assume the requirement for a third bedroom is for a growing child. It is usually their 'stuff' yesterday takes up space - could the basement be used for that without the expense of full, habitable space. Then I'd consider spliting thd front bedroom with a fairly temporary partition, leaving the second bedroom for the adults. It might work for a few more years - needs change with each stage, from floor play as toddlers to dark cave as teens....
Linda Nadia
9 months ago
Thank you for the input Jarek, this is really valuable! We’re going to explore this option further and play around with other design options.

Just to add that the third bedroom is required as we are now 4 (two adults, two kids).
CFS Interiors
9 months ago
It makes sense that you'd want to stay in an area you love and make your current space work. While adding a bedroom in the side return isn't the most conventional approach, it could still be a good option if done thoughtfully. Idea 1 keeps the living space more open but results in a narrow bedroom, while Idea 2 creates a more balanced layout but makes the kitchen/dining feel a bit tighter. Have you considered how much natural light the new bedroom would get? That could be a big factor in making it feel less like a compromise. If builders and architects are advising against it, maybe exploring creative ways to optimize the existing space (like reconfiguring rooms or integrating more built-in storage) could also be worth considering.
Phil B
9 months ago
Love the idea of a courtyard but like you and others have said above, you need to be careful not to eat into your living space. Converting the cellar if it’s big enough could be your best bet to get an extra bedroom without moving…

But if you’re ok having a smaller third bedroom this could be an option (quickly sketched on my phone sorry!)

The main challenge is getting light to the second bedroom. Instead of a courtyard which I think would take up too much space you could extend the second bedroom slightly into the side return extension to add light from above. Then a third bedroom could be squeezed in although it would smaller. This could be attractive as an office if you came to sell at any point.

For the living space, a narrow l-shaped kitchen in the side return might fit (not sure). You could separate the kitchen and living room with a wall or part glass divider to give a more open plan feel. I’ve seen someone do this before with a movable partition to separate the kitchen and living room but couldn’t find the picture anywhere (annoying!).

In the living room, you might be able to fit a small round dining table near the fireplace (possibly). You could also add a glass box window seat to give extra seating/perch spot or just go with big windows / doors.

Just some ideas. Had fun trying to think around this problem so thanks!
Linda Nadia
9 months ago
Thanks for all the ideas. It gave us a lot to think about so really appreciate the different perspectives. Will now play around with the floor plan a bit more :)
Linda Nadia
9 months ago
I have been thinking to make the inner courtyard slightly smaller to leave more space for a larger living area/kitchen. The bedroom really just needs space for a double bed and desk. The resulting living area might still be nicer than the current long layout we have at the moment. What do you think?
PRO
Bespoke Glazing Design
7 months ago
Would like to speak with you about this project. :)