This coach house conversion has created a stunning, contemporary home

When Gagarin Studio architects presented their ideas for the conversion and extension of an old coach house, Sarah Briggs and her partner Jonny were thrilled with the innovative, contemporary design.They couldn’t wait to get started and estimated that the project would take about 18 months. It took far longer because of a year-long planning approval process but all good things come to those who wait, and the couple and their two children are now enjoying the rewards that great design and self-building can bring.

The biggest delay came when the local authority requested a deep coal mining survey of the site stretching down 30 metres underground. The adjacent woods feature old bell pits and remains of mining works, so checking there were no shafts on the site was deemed vital.“The deep mine survey added a few thousand pounds to the cost but the main issue was the six month-wait for the drill because there aren’t many in this country that can reach so far down. Fortunately, it proved that there were no shafts under our site,” says Sarah.At this time, the couple had sold their old house and were lodging with Jonny’s family until their home in the Chapeltown area of Sheffield was built.The coach house was in the grounds of a Victorian house and had been used as a garage. Halifax-based Gagarin Studio came up with a plan to convert the old building into an entrance hall, utility room and snug. The modern additions comprise a single-storey dining kitchen with an adjacent double-storey extension housing three bedrooms.Gagarin also spotted the potential for turning the space between the coach house and the garden wall into a home office/fourth bedroom.

A central link between the old and new buildings is emphasised by a linear rooflight. “The low-level rear extension mirrors the form of the coach house while the two-storey extension provides a ‘book end’ of sleeping accommodation,” says Gagarin’s Steve Gittner.Sarah took on the job of project managing the build, with Steve on hand to give advice. “I’d never done anything like it before and I did find it hard, especially the last six months. I was running out of steam when I was asked where to put plug sockets and switches,” she says.

Feb 8 Real Home by Gagarin Studio architectsThe covered veranda. Architect Steve Gittner believes all new homes should have one.

“Most of the stress came in trying to co-ordinate the tradespeople and suppliers but Steve was a huge help to me, especially when it came to recruiting contractors.” The main contractor was Carpentry Joiner Services of Halifax. After laying the foundations for the new-build, the firm stripped out the old coach house and began constructing the timber-framed extensions, which are clad in pre-stained timber board.“We explored the use of charred larch but we were uncertain of its long-term durability so we opted for the timber boards, which bring a simple authenticity to the exterior,” says Steve, who also suggested using galvanised steel guttering, which costs only a fraction more than black plastic.Steve’s favourite part of the new home is the veranda. “I think every house, especially in the north of England, should have a generous threshold space that is half inside and half out,” he says.

The kitchen units are by Ikea but the doors were replaced by new ones from Superfront.

The cost of the conversion, extension and fit-out was £220,000 and it took 15 months in total. Sarah, Jonny and their two sons moved in almost three years after first hatching the plan to self-build.

A ground floor bedroom with a picture window overlooking the veranda

The family had jettisoned most of their furniture and furnishings apart from a few, much-loved vintage pieces, including a G-Plan bureau, but became savvy shoppers when it came to replacements. They bought an Ikea kitchen and customised it by investing in new doors from Swedish company Superfront, which specialises in “Ikea hacks”.

One of the bedrooms in the two-storey extension

“The build was more than we thought it might be but it was well worth it,” says Sarah. “We love this place and we couldn’t be happier with it. I still pinch myself and think ‘do I really live here?’”

Useful ContactsGagarin Studio architects, Halifax, www.gagarinstudio.co.ukBuilder and timber frame manufacturer, Carpentry Joinery Services, Halifax, www.cjshalifax.co.ukGalvanised steel gutters, www.rainclear.co.ukKitchen doors from Superfront, www.superfront.comLinear rooflight, www.howellsglazing.co.uk