Transforming a house into a forever home in Petersfield.
At Oaklands Road, GRK Architecture was appointed to reimagine a detached family home at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Petersfield. The brief was clear yet ambitious: to transform an existing house into a bespoke, future-ready family home that feels generous, uplifting and deeply connected to the way the clients live.
This project is a clear example of how thoughtful residential architecture can unlock both emotional and practical value, enhancing daily life while significantly strengthening the long-term potential of the property.
Understanding the home and its potential
From the outset, our approach centred on careful site analysis and a deep understanding of how the house could evolve. Its prominent position and generous plot offered a rare opportunity to enhance both presence and performance, improving flow, light and spatial quality without compromising the character of the surrounding street.
Through a detailed feasibility study and early design exploration, we identified opportunities to reconfigure the layout, extend the footprint and introduce a stronger architectural identity, creating a home that feels considered, calm and quietly confident.
First floor transformation and private retreats
Above, the design introduces a considered first-floor extension that enhances both comfort and privacy. The principal bedroom evolves into a refined master suite, complete with dressing area and spa-like en suite, offering a true retreat within the home.
An additional upper reception space takes advantage of long views towards the surrounding landscape, providing a calm, elevated space to relax, read or work away from the busier areas below. Carefully positioned dormers and architectural detailing ensure the rear elevation is as thoughtfully composed as the front.
A light-filled heart to the home
At the centre of the design is a transformative rear extension that reshapes how the family lives day to day. The kitchen becomes the heart of the home, designed as a generous, open space that supports cooking, dining, working and socialising with ease.
Large areas of glazing, bi-fold doors and rooflights draw natural light deep into the plan, creating a strong connection between house and garden. In warmer months, the boundary between inside and out dissolves, allowing the garden to function as a true extension of the living space.
Materiality and architectural character
Material choices play a vital role in giving the home its identity. A palette that may include timber cladding, refined render and carefully proportioned glazing introduces warmth, texture and longevity.
The existing structure is treated as a canvas, allowing new interventions to feel both contemporary and grounded. The result is a home that feels modern without being transient, designed to age gracefully over time.
Reimagining arrival and curb appeal
The home’s location naturally draws the eye, and the front elevation was seen as an opportunity to set a new tone. Our proposals focus on elevating the sense of arrival through refined architectural detailing, improved proportions and a more welcoming entrance sequence.
Subtle yet confident changes to the façade, alongside the potential introduction of feature glazing and a redefined entrance, ensure the house presents itself as a contemporary family home with lasting appeal.
Spaces designed around real life
Modern family life demands flexibility, and this scheme responds with a carefully layered arrangement of social, cosy and private spaces.
A repurposed garage introduces practical elements such as a boot room, utility and shower room, spaces designed to absorb the realities of outdoor living while keeping the main house calm and uncluttered.
An L-shaped rear extension creates opportunities for a snug, dining area or informal sitting space, offering moments of retreat alongside larger social zones. These overlapping spaces allow the home to adapt effortlessly from busy family mornings to quiet evenings and larger gatherings.
A home designed to grow with its owners
More than an extension project, Oaklands Road is about shaping a home that supports the clients’ lifestyle now and into the future. Every design decision is guided by how the spaces will be lived in, ensuring the house feels open and uplifting while still offering intimacy and comfort.
With a strong planning strategy, clear design leadership and a collaborative client relationship, this project demonstrates GRK Architecture’s ability to deliver residential architecture that is both aspirational and grounded in real life.
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We craft homes that feel natural, welcoming and truly yours.
We believe the best homes are the ones that reflect the people who live in them. Every project starts with a conversation about how you use your space, what works well and what could work better. When we understand your routines, your priorities and the way you want your home to feel, we can design spaces that fit effortlessly into daily life.
We think carefully about how rooms connect, how light shapes the atmosphere and how thoughtful detailing can make everyday living more enjoyable. Nothing is rushed or off the shelf. We take the time to make sure each part of your home feels balanced, welcoming and suited to your lifestyle.
The result is a home that feels considered in every corner. It looks great, functions well and grows with you over time. Most importantly, it feels like the place you always imagined it could be.
Beautifully designed homes that bring families together.
Every home has the potential to feel more comfortable, more spacious and more in tune with everyday life. We start by understanding what you want your home to achieve, then explore the ideas and improvements that will make the biggest difference.
From gaining planning approval to creating more space with an extension, refreshing older rooms or transforming unused areas, each service is designed to help your home work better for you. The focus is always on thoughtful design, clear communication and a process that feels well-supported from start to finish.
We manage every aspect of your project with meticulous attention to detail.
We go beyond designing your dream space, we offer comprehensive project management services. From liaising with local planning authorities and dealing with complex planning applications, all the way through to overseeing construction.
Our goal is to provide a hassle-free experience, turning the complexity of building into a seamless journey.
We treat every client like they are our only client, and we strive to improve the quality of your daily life with spaces that truly mean something to you.
