Breaking Ground in East Bierley: A Contemporary Family Extension in Motion
At Grace and Morris Architects, our passion lies in enhancing the way people live through thoughtful, contextual design. We are pleased to share the progress of one of our latest residential projects located in the charming village of East Bierley. This modern extension marks an exciting chapter for a growing family seeking greater functionality and flow within their home.
As leading Harrogate residential architects, we regularly work with clients across Yorkshire to help unlock the potential in their homes. This particular scheme exemplifies how intelligent planning and contemporary detailing can breathe new life into an existing property.
A Tailored Response to Family Life
Our clients approached us with a clear vision: to create a bright, open and connected space that better supports the demands of family living. The existing kitchen and dining arrangement was no longer fit for purpose, and the rear of the property offered an ideal location for expansion.
The proposed extension, now under construction, introduces a cranked plan that responds to site constraints while creating an elegant and purposeful new volume. The form adds visual interest and improves the relationship between the internal living spaces and the garden.
Designing for Light, Connection and Everyday Use
Central to the design is a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that flows seamlessly onto a newly defined patio via two sets of generous double doors. This connection to the outdoors was a key priority, and the layout encourages natural movement between inside and out, especially in the summer months.
To address the depth of the plan and bring light into the heart of the home, a large, carefully positioned roof lantern has been incorporated. This feature not only introduces a dramatic focal point overhead, but also enhances daylight deep into the internal footprint, transforming what would otherwise be a dimly lit central zone into a vibrant and usable space throughout the day.
Adjacent to the kitchen, a new side entrance leads into a practical boot room – a welcome addition that improves day-to-day organisation for the family. These modest but meaningful interventions are part of what we believe makes good design enduring and successful.
Progress On Site
Works began last month and are progressing well. The existing structural openings have been carefully made in accordance with our detailing and the structural engineer’s specifications. The new external stonework and internal blockwork are taking shape, giving tangible form to what had been months of design development and coordination.
A new kitchen will form the centrepiece of the family space, complemented by the carefully integrated external landscaping and threshold drainage which will ensure the patio remains practical year-round.
Delivering More than Just Space
At Grace and Morris Architects, our approach to residential extensions is rooted in creating added value through spatial quality and contextual sensitivity. Whether in Harrogate, East Bierley or further afield, we believe that a home should evolve gracefully with its occupants. This project embodies our commitment to thoughtful transformation, crafted with care and clarity.
If you are considering extending your own home and would like to speak with experienced Harrogate residential architects, we would be pleased to discuss your ideas. Every project is an opportunity to improve not just a building, but the way you live within it.