@darrenoldfieldarchitects
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When you're given the brief: an 'out-of-the-ordinary' single-storey wraparound extension, and you nail it! πββββββββ
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Our clients previously dismissed a project by another firm for which they had obtained planning permission.ββββββββ
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We created for them a spacious, pared-back aesthetic which seamlessly links indoor and outdoor spaces through a material-led "outside-in" ...
May 19

This stunning London terrace in the spring isn't a scene from a Richard Curtis rom-com, it's the location of one of our restoration projects. π·π½ββοΈββββββββ
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We were appointed to restore this Grade II-listed Townhouse in St Johnβs Wood in 2019. ββββββββ
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Our clients asked us to βundoβ the existing, rather grey and unsympathetic mid-2000s refurbishment of their Georgian ...
May 18

The perfect spot to soak up those stunning views...ββββββββ
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Our goal is always to create a home that is bespoke to our client's needs while also maximising the potential of the space we are developing. This fabulous bathroom from our project in Overhill Road, East Dulwich, is a perfect example.ββββββββ
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The house benefitted from spectacular views of the London skyline. In order to make the most ...
May 13

β₯ BEFORE AND AFTERβ₯
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The owners of this large Edwardian family home in Highgate wanted to create a more sociable space at the rear of their property where they could entertain family and friends.
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As a result, we developed an open-plan, full-width rear extension made of three distinct sections.
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β· Overlooking the new gravel garden, we incorporated an oriel window framed in narrow ...
May 12

Looking out of your window onto a green roof is super satisfying especially as you don't have to haul your lawnmower up there to maintain it! πβ β β β β β β β β
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Green roofs add beauty and sustainability to your project. They increase biodiversity, provide thermal and noise insulation, and reduce water runoff helping to reduce the risk of flooding. β β β β β β β β β
They can also be relatively self-sufficient if you choose your ...
May 10

Let there be light! β‘οΈ The universe was onto something. π ββββββββ
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Itβs no coincidence that light levels in our homes have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing. That is why light, volume and space are the 3 pivotal principles guiding every project we work on. ββββββββ
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Even on the most constricted sites, we introduce plentiful natural light through our creative use of glazing and...
May 6

For us, sustainability in architecture begins on day one, before weβve even put pencil to paper. Sustainability is an inherent part of our process and not a bolt-on technology that appears at the end of the project. β β β β β β β β β
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There are many different aspects of sustainability that we try to incorporate into every scheme. We consider how to maximise access to good quality daylight, sunlight and ventilation. β β β β β β β β β
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May 5

We were appointed back in autumn 2021 to provide a basement enlargement and rear extension for this large red brick early Edwardian semi-detached home in Highgate. An area we know well as this is our third project on this particular street! π
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We are now at the tender stage. Planning has been approved, and we have prepared all the necessary construction information for contractors to price up and provide an overall cost to our client. π·ββοΈ
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May 3

βοΈ PLANNING APPROVED βοΈ
We recently received planning permission for our Westwood Park project. A rear extension and refurbishment of a 1930s terraced house.
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This project is a perfect example of where we have incorporated sustainable features consciously to reduce the impact of the build.
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We have used timber shingles and a timber frame, which uses less cement or concrete, thereby reducing embodied carbon.
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May 1

Whether itβs a spot in the sun, a cosy nook or a place to simply watch the clouds roll by, a window seat is an increasingly popular detail in our clients' briefs.ββββββββ
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We include window seats when they offer an innovative design solution such as: to add width to a room, increase light, add storage and of course they provide that much called for extra seating. ββββββββ
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Swipe through to see ...
Apr 28

Two vaulted spaces, one seamless design. How did we do it? β β β β β β β β β
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We were commissioned in 2015 to work on this beautiful late Victorian property in Beckenham, increasing the ground floor living accommodation with vaulted spaces to the side and the rear. β β β β β β β β β
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Our design sailed through planning, following two failed attempts by a previous architectural practice and work was completed...
Apr 27

Whether your passion is entertaining family and friends or relaxing with a good book in a snug corner, these lifestyle details influence our design decisions. They determine how we create a space for you that will make you happy for years to come. ββββββββ
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We believe that good architecture is collaborative and shaped by positive relationships between clients, consultants and contractors. ββββββββ
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We...
Apr 25

Embarking on a first-time residential building project can be an intimidating experience. We completely understand, which is why we're flexible in our approach. ββββββββ
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There are 2 ways of working with us to bring your building project to life: ββββββββ
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1. Our full RIBA service from survey to completion: This is the complete start-to-finish package and our most popular service! It includes a ...
Apr 24

We are nearly at the point where the action will begin on this home in Peckham, South London. π
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We were appointed back in spring 2021 for a ground floor renovation and extension to this semi-detached Victorian property. We know the location well as itβs directly opposite a previously completed project!
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Our clients were clear in their design brief: Crittall windows, sound insulation, symmetry in the rear extension, and...
Apr 22

Increasingly, our clients have been asking for Crittall doors and windows over the last few years. We've seen them evolve from a niche interest to a mainstream design trend.
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Thin-framed sliding doors and Crittall glazed doors both have their own advantages, and both complement a broad range of project styles.
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Nevertheless, if you had to choose one, which design gets your vote? π Crittall (or Crittall-style), a ...
Apr 21

Time for an introduction...ββββββββ
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Back in October, we welcomed Dominic Saliendra to the team as a Part I Assistant. Dominic has a BA in Architecture from Newcastle University and has got stuck in working on a range of our projects. ββββββββ
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Dominic not only brings his A-game in terms of architecture, but he has also played basketball since the age of 15, so will be adding some sporty vibes to the ...
Apr 19

Wow, what a productive month March was! We've sent out 5 tenders, one of which is for this striking Grade II listed property in Oval.
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At the tender stage, we prepare detailed drawings for builders to price. It's the end of stage 4, in our 5-step process. Each individual element is priced by contractors, and then we compare their overall costings for quality, thoroughness, accuracy and competitiveness.
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These rather...
Apr 17

Preserving privacy within a densely populated city such as London is one of the challenges we face when designing new properties.
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Through the use of clever design techniques, there are ways to combat the problem of being overlooked or overshadowed.
Back in 2015, we were commissioned by a local developer to undertake a feasibility study for an industrial site in South East London. The brief was to design seven light and airy three-bedroom houses on a...
Apr 14

The before and after of this modest Victorian mid-terrace is quite astonishing! ββββββββ
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Our Peckham-based clients trusted us to come up with something a little bolder than your average extension and refurbishment. Rejecting their previous architect's designs, they were looking for wow-factor, and this is what we gave them! ββββββββ
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Our brief: create an βout-of-the-ordinaryβ single-storey ...
Apr 10

Which one would you choose? π§
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Our clients commissioned us to create a side-infill extension and refurbishment to this Victorian terrace in Herne Hill, South London.
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They were seeking a private, protected enclave for an expanded kitchen-diner space, with improved access to daylight to the rear of their house.
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We designed the extension with bronze metal cladding to give a subtle ...
Apr 7

We pride ourselves on producing bespoke, unique and innovative design solutions, to create homes that our clients want to live in. Not only to improve their day-to-day lives but also to reflect their style and personalities!ββββββββ
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Whether we do this by designing multifunctional living/entertaining spaces or a finishing touch by way of a delightful train track, we are happy to design cleverly, with our client's needs in mind. π ...
Apr 5

We love the early flush of spring and the brighter light that it brings. Trees bud, flowers bloom and rays of sunshine cast beautiful shadows through our homes, connecting us to the outside. π±ββββββββ
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Intelligent architectural design that draws plentiful natural light into the heart of the building, while reducing the need for energy-consuming heating and cooling systems, is at the core of every project that we are commissioned for. ...
Apr 4

You could say architecture is in our foundations! π Darrenβs father is an architectural designer and at just 15, Darren started working for him, before pursuing architecture at university. ββββββββ
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Darren qualified with a first-class honours degree in sustainable architecture from Sheffield Hallam, and then with a Masters with distinction and a Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture from Nottingham University. The rest is history! ...
Apr 2

Sliding doors or bi-fold doors, what's your preference? There is one outright winner for us, and that's sliding doors.
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In our temperamental climate, doors are more likely to be closed than open. It rarely gets warm enough to open the entire side of a room more than 3-4 times a year (If we are lucky! βοΈ). The rest of the time is spent looking through them. We find that bi-folds have much chunkier frames, and so we prefer to opt for thinner-framed...
Mar 30
