Contemporary Modern Rear Extension in Balsall Common, Solihull to Start on Site
Balsall Common Architects
As the Architects for this re-development and extension project in Balsall Common, Solihull we’re looking forward to seeing it start on site in early 2026.
A large, detached, beautiful Arts & Crafts house with six bedrooms in a large plot near the centre of the village, this property needed both a gentle touch and a firm hand! It has an elegant front elevation with lovely period details, eye-brow windows and original critical glazing. Our approach to the front was light touch.
The rear however was dated and in need of love. Extended in the 1970s to the rear there was an intriguing glazed timber garden room like something out of a Bond movie. Featuring floor to ceiling to glass and a built in cocktail cupboard you could very much imagine hanging out in this dramatic room. Time, however, and the climate means that this single glazed space would no longer offer the kind of environment we crave. There was also a very much ad-hoc loft conversion, extravagant in scale but poor in execution.
Our Approach
From our initial site visit it was clear that this was a property with a lot of potential.
The brief from our client was clear, retain the charm and character of the original house, but re-imagine to create dramatic, generous spaces suitable for modern family life. We have developed a design that retains the period sitting room and dining room, yet creates a wonderful kitchen, dining space that nestles in the garden. The view opens up from the moment that you open up the front door to a vista of the mature garden at the rear. A series of new ancillary spaces gives separate access to the garden and a new garden and music room nestles to the side of the plot.
At first floor there are four generous bedrooms with ensuites, and the second floor will accommodate a spacious master suite including bedroom, dressing room and ensuite.
Externally the architectural language of the new extensions is crisp and modern. Projecting metal eaves above floor to ceiling glazing and timber infill panels. This language is developed on the ground floor extensions and then picked up on the first and second floor extensions.
Planning Permission was achieved in the Summer of 2025 from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, a straightforward application with no issues with the process.
Following receipt of Planning Approval we have developed and co-ordinated the detailed technical design and drawings in conjunction with other designers as required in line with our typical service.
It’s going to be exciting watching this beautiful re-designed home are shape.
We start all of our projects with our initial home consultation where we can meet clients, understand the project and offer our ideas and inspiration as to how your project can take shape.
Get in touch via the contact page here on our website or call Matt or Kevin on 0121 270 7227 to discuss what you are looking to do.
Learn about our other projects on historic homes here:
https://thegeneralarchitecturecompany.co.uk/portfolio/zinc-garden-room-to-listed-edgbaston-home/