Priory Road
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Location
Nottinghamshire
Project Type
Conversion of bungalow into 2 storey house
Services
Architecture and Interior Planning
Status
Complete
Size
400sqm
Description
Priory House is a conversion of a bungalow into a two-storey family home in West Bridgford, a residential area in Nottinghamshire.
The brief was to create a stunning, spacious family home, comprising five generous bedrooms, a large open-plan living space with easy access onto the gardens, an office, cinema room and reading spaces.
The bungalow was situated on a commanding corner on one of the most prestigious roads in the area. Previous applications to demolish the building and create multiple dwellings had been refused due to its prominent location and the style of the proposed designs.
The clients were keen to maintain the appearance of a ‘smaller’ property which wouldn’t overwhelm the adjacent structures. We worked closely with our clients and the planning department to design a new house which suited the location and was worthy of its prominent position.
We carried out reference studies of the surrounding buildings which informed the proportions of the first floor gables. The existing footprint was retained and reconfigured to suit the client’s requirements. The original corridor walls became a structural spine to support the new floor and cantilevered roof beams. The entrance position was preserved, maintaining its alignment with the original Bulwell stone wall, mature magnolia trees, and the century-old rose garden at the front of the property.
The combination of timber and roughcast render gave prominence to the principal gables, while the more functional roof forms were designed to maximise usable space discreetly. Material selection was subject to close scrutiny, with emphasis placed on durability, texture, cost, and long-term performance. Each was assessed for its weathering qualities and contribution to the architectural hierarchy of the façades.
Inside, the ground floor accommodates an open-plan kitchen and living space with adjoining snug, dining area, and lounge, all connected to the garden. A mezzanine office overlooking the lounge allows visual and social connection to the family spaces.
3D modelling and virtual reality workshops enabled the client to explore the spaces and sightlines. This process helped refine the open-plan arrangement so that each area retained its own identity, while ensuring glazing aligned with the sun’s path to bring natural light and framed views of the mature trees surrounding the plot.
The resulting home is contemporary, with a clear Scandinavian influence, yet its scale, form, and articulation reference the adjacent Arts and Crafts architecture. The project was a collaborative journey: shaped by the client’s vision, refined through dialogue with neighbours, and guided by proactive planning discussions.
The design not only sits harmoniously within the street but also reimagines the bungalow typology into a bespoke, contextually sensitive and architecturally ambitious home — setting a new benchmark for suburban transformation. This project was also shortlisted for the 2025 Build It Awards for Best Architect or Designer for a Conversion or Renovation Project.
Design Haus Architecture
5 Portland Road
West Bridgford
Nottingham NG2 6DN
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