Alwoodley is a residential area located just North of Leeds with some very select areas, home to some of the most expensive housing in the city and within short walking distance of Eccup reservoir.  A young family purchased this existing 5 bedroom house built post-war era which subsequently had been extended.  The houses in the cul de sac are all individual with not one set design, originally built circa 1950-70s house styles vary greatly.  Some have received more recent modern makeovers, some have 70’s influences, existing materials vary with slate, clay tiles, brick, stone and render. The existing layout of the house had not been carefully considered and rather than address the existing layout, further smaller extensions were added.

Our client wished to address the existing layout, extend and provide a contemporary modern family home.    Once we had established the final design to meet the clients brief we submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council.  Unfortunately, the application was not well received with the neighbours and received numerous objections.  As a result, the council felt that they could support the application but it would have to be determined by a committee.  We worked closely with our client and the council to make minor alterations to the application to try and ensure a positive outcome.  The application was voted 10-1 in favour and planning permission was granted.  Whilst design can divide opinion, it is our duty as designers to deliver what our client requires.  Had this design been in a cul de sac with all dwellings in similar appearance we would have probably ended up with a different outcome.

The works to the property are well underway, on completion the property will boast 7 bedrooms and has increased from 1450sqft to 4400sqft.  Inspiration for the design was to take a modern interpretation of a double gable-ended property with a crisp white render finish, split face stone and cedar cladding.  Increasing window openings to the rear allow for picturesque views out to Eccup Reservoir and open fields of the countryside.   Internally the house has been carefully finished with floating oak staircases with black vertical slats, internal Crittal screens to the reception, kitchen and office areas.  Double height space to the master bedroom boasting 5.5m high ceilings with separate en-suite and dressing room.  A substantial family bathroom with stone resin bath with views to the garden and Eccup reservoir from the substantial picture window.  The 2nd floor provides a guest room with en-suite and inset balcony with the addition of a gym to the rest of the loft space.

Key Ground Floor

1. Double Garage
2. Dining
3. Entrance Hall
4. Reception
5. Utility
6. WC
7. Cloak
8. Comms
9. Living
10. Office
11. Kitchen
12. Dining
13. Window Seat

First Floor

1. En-suite
2. Dressing Room
3. Bedroom
4. Double height void over entrance
5. Bedroom
6. Bedroom
7. Bedroom
8. En-suite
9. Family Bathroom
10. Bedroom
11. Master Bedroom
12. Terrace
13. Sedum Roof

Second Floor

1. Gym
2. Hall with Rooflights over
3. Store
4. Guest Bedroom
5. Dressing
6. En-suite
7. Inset Balcony