Extension & Refurbishment of 1980s Bungalow - Through The RIBA Stages
We are delighted to share with you the completion of this newly refurbished bungalow in Braunton, where a once dated property has been thoughtfully transformed into a contemporary, welcoming home.
This project involved the extension and complete refurbishment of an existing 1980s bungalow. The design introduces a carefully considered extension alongside a more modern external appearance, combining natural timber cladding, modern detailing and improved landscaping.
In this article, Woodward Smith takes you through the project stage by stage, following the RIBA Plan of Work and showing how our approach, design process and attention to detail helped achieve this fantastic finished result.
Stage 1: Preparation & Briefing
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During the initial site visit and early discussions with the client, we developed a clear understanding of their aspirations for the project and established the key requirements of the brief.
The client wished for a modernist extension to provide a spacious 2-bedroom bungalow, including a generous lounge, kitchen diner, 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The design incorporated multiple points of access to the outdoors, including a front courtyard providing a space for breakfast in the morning sun, alongside direct access from the bedroom and living spaces to the garden. This creates a strong connection between the internal and external spaces and provides flexibility in how they can be enjoyed throughout the day, which was a crucial to the client's brief.
As part of Stage 1, our team also carried out a detailed measured survey of the property, recording dimensions and key features of the building, to ensure the build could be developed accurately and in response to the existing building.
Photos of the existing house before work was started
Stage 2: Concept Design
Once we had established a clear understanding of the brief, we began creating initial concept sketches for discussion, ensuring the client was actively involved throughout the entire design process so that the final outcome would reflect their vision. The architects from our team working on this were Helena Jenkinson and Matt Steart.
The initial concept sketch explored the relocation of the entrance to define two distinct divisions within the property, with the sleeping accommodation positioned to the front and a new kitchen/living space to the rear. The design was then developed further to explore the visual appearance, including natural timber cladding, platinum-framed windows and a buttermilk-coloured render.
Initial Concept Sketch
Visual (Rear of Dwelling)
Stage 3: Spatial Co-ordination (Planning)
Once the concept design was finalised, the Woodward Smith team progressed to preparing the relevant drawings and supporting documentation for planning submission. This included drawings such as a location plan, existing and proposed site plans, and existing and proposed plans & elevations. As well as this, we also coordinated the necessary ecology input, obtained quotes and appointed a suitably qualified ecologist to undertake the required assessment. The documentation from the ecologist was then able to be submitted alongside our drawings as part of the planning application.
During the planning consideration period, investigations into underground services identified an underground electrical cable was running through the existing building. In response, the proposal was subsequently redesigned to retain the existing entrance and accommodate the existing location of the underground cables (as shown in this sketch here).
Planning permission was granted in September 2025, allowing us to move forward with the project and bring the designs one step closer to reality!
Stage 4: Technical Design
Once planning approval had been secured, the project progressed to the technical design stage. This involved our team developing the approved design into a comprehensive pack of detailed drawings for Building Regulations. These drawings provide the technical information required to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations, as well as giving the contractor clear and accurate information to assist with construction on site.
The technical design for this project was undertaken by Daniel Jourdain, Senior Architectural Technologist at our practice, who developed the approved scheme into a detailed and coordinated construction pack. The pack included detailed floor plans and elevations, together with substructure and roof plans, construction details and other key information required to bring the design from concept through to construction.
'Plans and Elevations' Drawing for Building Regulations
'Substructure and Roof' Drawing for Building Regulations
Alongside our drawings, it was important to appoint a structural engineer to ensure the structural elements of the proposed works were appropriately designed to be safe, stable and capable of supporting the loads placed upon them. The necessary structural engineering drawings and calculations were prepared by South West Structures Ltd, which were incorporated into and submitted alongside our documentation as part of the Building Regulations submission.
This resulted in Full Plans Building Regulation Approval being granted in October 2025.
Stage 5 & 6: Construction and Completion
Our formal appointment ended at Stage 4; however, we remained in contact with the client throughout the construction process and were available to assist and provide advice whenever required.
Construction was completed this Summer 2026, bringing the original vision from the beginning stages to life, and the finished home is a fantastic reflection of the client's brief.
The project was constructed by Exquisite Build SW Ltd, who did a fantastic job of translating the design into reality with great attention to detail throughout the build. We are incredibly proud to have played a part in creating this unique, charming home, and to see the project progress from the initial concept designs to the finished build.
Take a look below at the photographs of the finished result, or step inside using out interactive virtual walkthrough to experience the finished home for yourself!
If you're considering an extension, refurbishment or alterations to your own property, we'd be happy to discuss how we can help bring your ideas to life. Get in touch with out team to discuss your project!
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Woodward Smith Chartered Architects
6 Tuly Street
Barnstaple
Devon
United Kingdom
EX31 1DH
