During our initial consultation, we discussed the challenges our client was facing with the existing layout. Together, we identified and prioritised the key issues and incorporated them into our proposed plan. While the kitchen functioned well enough, the space wasn’t being used to its full potential.
As with many properties from that era, the kitchen was small and narrow, with an attached outhouse or coal shed to the rear. Over time, previous owners had attempted to improve the space by extending the kitchen into the outhouse and converting it into a downstairs toilet.
Although this renovation technically increased the floor area, the “extension” never felt like a cohesive part of the kitchen. The space lacked functionality, with a low, sloped ceiling and a chimney breast that created an awkward dead zone – making it impossible to add useful storage or cabinetry.
After our initial consultation, the goal was clear: create a greater sense of space and depth – without significantly altering the existing footprint. We achieved this by maximising natural light and increasing the height within the room.
Location
Heswall, Wirral
Project essentials
- Insulated warm deck flat roofing system
- Quartz worktops
- French doors & windows
- Roof lantern
- Chimney breast removed
The decision was made to completely remove the previous occupants’ work, including the single-brick outhouse, which was cold, impractical, and too restrictive for any modern kitchen layout. Demolishing the old “extension” gave us a clean slate to build a properly insulated, modern extension. While the new structure extended no further than before, we were able to slightly widen it, creating a much more spacious and functional area that opened out onto the garden.
To enhance the feeling of openness, we replaced the old sloped roof with a flat, insulated roofing system and added a glass roof lantern. This instantly flooded the new space with natural light and raised the ceiling height—bringing an airy, open feel to the kitchen. The added height also unlocked new kitchen design opportunities that simply weren’t possible in the previous setup.
Lastly, to connect the indoors with the garden, we introduced a centrally positioned rear window that offers a clear view from the hallway right through to the end of the garden. We also installed large French doors with surrounding windows, leading out to what will become a newly landscaped patio. This not only invites the outdoors in but also makes the space ideal for summer living and entertaining.
A happy customer
“The team at Open Plan Space recently completed a kitchen renovation for me in my 1930’s home on the Wirral. The work involved demolishing part of the structure and rebuilding on an altered footprint, removing a chimney breast, electrics, plumbing and a new high quality roof and roof lantern.
I had worked with them on jobs previously and so they were an obvious choice, as l knew they did high quality work. Allied to which they were able to provide help in terms of technical drawings and advice on the building work which massively improved the completed project.
I am delighted with the work they did, the job was completed to a high standard, the team are really great in terms of communication, keeping me updated re progress and plans which was really important as the work was completed running up to Christmas during Covid!
They were also really helpful speaking to floor fitters, liaising with respect to timing and technical
advice.
They really owned the job from start to finish and it shows. I would not hesitate to recommend them.”
