Open-plan Kitchen/Dining & Home Office Studio
Location: Colchester, Essex
Project Type: Single-storey rear extension and rear garden home studio
Completion: 2021
Status: Completed
Project Overview
TEREYN Architects were appointed to design a single-storey rear extension and home studio for a growing family in Colchester, Essex. The project sought to create more generous, flexible spaces that better reflected the family’s evolving lifestyle — balancing everyday family life with the increasing need for a dedicated home working environment.
The client’s brief centred on expanding and modernising the ground floor. The existing kitchen and dining areas were reconfigured to provide a larger, brighter, and more sociable open-plan space, directly connecting to the garden. In addition, the design incorporated a bespoke home studio in the garden, providing a calm and productive workspace separate from the main house, a direct response to post-pandemic ways of living and working.
During the early design stages, we explored both options — extending the property or reconfiguring the existing layout to ensure the client could make an informed decision based on their needs and budget. This collaborative approach helped shape a design that delivered real value and flexibility, ultimately resulting in a successful planning approval.
The completed proposal enhances the connection between house and garden, maximising light, flow, and usability throughout. The family now enjoys a contemporary, functional home that supports both their growing family life and evolving work patterns, creating a balance between comfort, practicality, and modern design.
