The Project Brief

The clients came to Powell Design & Construction with a clear vision for transforming their home and outdoor space. They required:

• A sunroom extension with French doors opening onto the patio
• Complete kitchen renovation
• Comprehensive landscaping design with dedicated zones for dining, relaxation, and family activities

Our goal was to create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, while ensuring each area had its own distinct purpose and character.

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Our Design Approach

When designing a sunroom, you need it to feel light and airy without becoming a greenhouse in summer or cold in winter. To combat this, we specified large French doors that open fully to the patio, creating one continuous entertaining space while maintaining thermal performance when closed. Positioning was carefully considered to maximise natural light throughout the day.

We also needed the kitchen renovation to work in harmony with the sunroom extension, creating clear sightlines from the cooking areas through to the garden. Designing for how the family actually lives, not just how kitchens looks.

Moving outside, rather than one flat outdoor space (as this property has a multi-level banked garden), we worked on creating distinct zones:

• Dining Area: Paved terrace immediately outside the French doors for meals
• Relaxation Zone: Quieter seating area positioned to catch the evening sun
• Family Fun Space: Area designed with children in mind while remaining visually integrated
  

The landscape design also addressed practical considerations, such as drainage, level changes, year-round planting schemes, and materials that age well in the British climate.

Can you spot the slide built into the bank? That's our team's favourite bit about this design!

The Design Process

Good design rarely happens in the first iteration. This project went through multiple revisions as we worked closely with the clients to refine every detail.

Laura from our design studio led the final proposal meeting with the clients, presenting the culmination of months of collaborative work.

Taking the time to iterate and explore options often results in better outcomes - clients get a design they're genuinely excited about, and when construction starts, there won't be expensive changes or surprises.

Next Steps

With plans approved, we're now moving into construction. This is where our design studio hands over to our construction team, though they remain involved throughout to ensure design intent is maintained.

For the clients, this is where the excitement really builds - plans on paper become physical spaces, and the home transformation they've been planning will finally take shape.

Planning Your Own Extension or Garden Makeover?

Whether you're considering a sunroom extension, landscape redesign, or complete home renovation in Ashbourne or across Staffordshire, we'd be more than happy to discuss your project.

Get in touch to talk about what's possible for your home.

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