Buckhurst Hill

"Developing a 1960's footballers house into a contemporary luxury home"

■ Client

↣ Private

■ Type

■ Location

↣ Buckhurst Hill, Essex

JMA was commissioned to transform a secluded chalet bungalow, originally built in the early 1970s, into a modern, family-friendly home. Situated on a private, gated road with expansive gardens, the property offered great potential but required a thoughtful redesign to meet the needs of its new owners. The project’s aim was to update and extend the existing structure, creating a contemporary, light-filled home that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.

Working closely with the clients, we identified that the existing layout of the bungalow did not align with their vision for a functional and versatile family home. The design brief called for enhanced living spaces, improved connections between the house and the garden, and the creation of a family-focused environment suitable for day-to-day living and entertaining.

Our design focused on introducing open-plan living areas that flow effortlessly from the interior to the gardens. By reordering the internal layout, we maximized the functionality of the home, creating a large, connected kitchen, dining, and living space that acts as the heart of the home. Expansive glazing and strategic reconfiguration of the hallway were key elements in bringing more natural light into the property and establishing strong visual links to the outdoor spaces.

Further improvements included a double-story extension to add additional bedrooms and living areas, catering to the needs of a growing family. The master suite on the ground floor was designed to include a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. On the upper floor, the bedrooms were enlarged and upgraded to provide ensuite bathrooms.

By applying our ethos of light, layout, and flow, we reimagined the property to create a spacious, contemporary family home. The result was a design brief for a modernised house that enhanced the living experience for the family while increasing the property’s value and appeal.