Projects
Oakgate House Alterations – Harrogate
Bowman Riley designed the extensive alterations to Oakgate House, a detached Edwardian villa in the highly sought-after Duchy Estate to create a desirable five-bedroom family home.
In the early 20th century when lifestyles were different, the main family rooms were intended to be at the southern side enjoying the sunlight and views of the garden with the kitchen as a functional place where a housekeeper prepared food.
Modern single-storey extensions had created more space on the ground floor but non above. They had also left the house with no clear front door and had hidden the building’s character. We designed a new two-storey extension to replace the modern extensions and the remainder of the house will be stripped back to the brickwork and timber and rebuilt.
The alterations replicate the original Edwardian facade featuring a new visible front door and entrance hall with an additional side muddy boots entrance and cloakroom. The extensive remodelling included relocating the kitchen and dining room to the southern side of the house with patio doors to directly access the garden. Additionally, the original drawing room has been converted into a new large lounge with a south-facing garden room and study. All of the bedrooms have good-sized en-suites, the master bedroom has a new balcony overlooking the garden and the attic bedroom would be an ideal home office.
To help prospective buyers to see the potential of this exclusive family home, the client asked us to provide some interior visualisations for the sales particulars. The colour palette and textures were chosen to reflect the quality and aesthetic that is popular within this style of a young family home. Resulting in a look that feels contemporary, high-end but also welcoming and perfect for a family.
The final result is a beautifully appointed home designed for contemporary family life.
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East Barn Private House – Malham, North Yorkshire
Private client
Malham, North Yorkshire
Bowman Riley provided interior design and decoration on East Barn, a converted barn into a high-end residential property. To create a modern family home, we worked closely with our client to deliver the brief from initial concept proposals to final site completion and styling.
The interior spaces were reviewed and an internal re-configuration was required to open up the kitchen area and living space to create an open plan form of living. This then allowed us to re-evaluate each floor’s layout to better suit the client’s requirements. This included the reconfiguration of all bathrooms, the addition of a dressing room, new layouts of internal spaces to create a games room and a cloakroom WC.
We created detailed demolition and construction plans for each floor, including the removal of an existing chimney, an internal extension of the kitchen and subsequent layout for the family room. We provided interior design for all rooms, including general arrangement plans showing furniture placements, detailed lighting and electrical designs with specifications of decorative light fittings and joinery proposals for each room. This facilitated a detailed pack provided for the contractor to deliver on site.
The interior renovation and fitted joinery needed to be sympathetic to the style of the building as well as feel modern to suit the young family’s aesthetics and requirements. Each room was reviewed with regard to the client’s requirements for storage and use of space to ensure the best layout and overall design.
In addition to the interior design on East Barn, we also provided thorough interior decoration proposals for each room, specifying furniture and fittings, window treatment specifications, cushion and trim detailing, artwork proposals down to the frame specifications. This process was worked up alongside the build on site to ensure the client received a turnkey solution.
Our client said:
“It was a pleasure working with Laura on the interiors for our home renovation project. She took the time to understand our style and expertly guided us through the whole process, advising us on everything from paint colours and lighting design to furniture and soft furnishings. We couldn’t be happier with the end result, which is a home where the interiors are tailored perfectly to our needs and tastes.”
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Private House Interior Layout and Decoration – Ilkley
Bowman Riley provided architectural and interior layout and design services for this beautiful 1920s house in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. The house was in need of considerable renovation in order to make the interior spaces conducive to modern living and suit the clients lifestyle.
We provided architectural designs for the extension to the rear of the property that facilitated the clients lifestyle and love of entertaining providing them with a lovely open plan living space.
The client wanted to ensure that the essence and character of the period property was retained whilst allowing them to inject the home with their personality and style. We also had the added challenge of integrating their existing furniture, extensive artwork collections and travel mementos within the spaces that they were bringing from their current home. These pieces often created the foundation colour palettes for some of the rooms schemes and have blended beautifully with the new pieces to create a mid-century modern eclectic style.
We worked closely with the client to build the schemes from the spatial layouts, bathroom designs and finishes down to the trim detailing on the cushions.
The end result is a true reflection of the clients bright, welcoming and playful characters. The client took our specifications, drawings and design proposals to source and implement the designs on site, perfectly interpreting the schemes to create a cohesive and beautiful home.
Kirk Lane Stables – North Yorkshire
Private client
Eastby, near Skipton, North Yorkshire
Bowman Riley designed the conversion of a derelict Kirk Lane stables block into a sleek modern home in Eastby just outside of the North Yorkshire town of Skipton.
Our client initially set out to convert Kirk Lane stable block into a high-quality holiday home. Exceeding our client’s expectations, we managed to achieve full planning permission for conversion into a permanent dwelling to vastly increase the value of the property.
The attractive property is clad in burnt larch wood to blend into the rural setting. The use of large metallic stable doors provide cover to lightweight glazing in winter months and reference the agricultural heritage of the building.
Our designs create natural light-filled spaces by a huge roof light in the living room, a glazed Crittall door and Velux windows to all bedrooms. An integrated cycle store in matching materials allows visitors to experience the nearby countryside by bicycle.
The spacious property is well insulated and features a large living room and dining area with a log burning stove and four bedrooms.
Now complete, our clients are delighted with the results and have been able to achieve their ambition of successfully renting the property out on a regular basis as a holiday let. Annie and Alex, our clients said:
“You created such a fabulous home we can now build and move forward. It feels like a breeze… Coming from ideas to reality, you were able to see that vision and design us a beautiful unique house.”
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West Winds – Scotton, North Yorkshire
Ashfield Homes
Scotton, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Bowman Riley has designed West Winds, a range of luxury detached homes, in the village of Scotton, Knaresborough for Ashfield Homes, a newly-formed company, part of the Ashfield Building Group.
The new residential development comprises four new bespoke detached homes in place of a dormer bungalow, which is to be demolished. Planned over three storeys, the homes offer a choice of four and five-bedroom living ranging in size from 192m2 to 245m2. Each property has either an integral single garage, a detached single oak port garage or a double detached garage with a games room within the loft space.
West Winds is Ashfield Homes’ debut development and standards are high both at the design and delivery stages of the project. Recessed balconies, Juliet balconies with fins on either side, contemporary and traditional finishes, pergolas, natural and artificial materials, proportionate design, all contribute to the overall high aesthetics of the proposed development. The living room, kitchen and dining area on the ground floor feature large areas of glazing to take advantage of the open views and to cast as much light as possible.
We worked closely with our client and his real estate and construction partners and in consultation with the local council during a pre-application enquiry process.
The pre-application enquiry route was followed by an effort to resolve specific challenges at early stages identified during the feasibility. The challenges involved the massing of the houses, the location of a protected tree, overlooking issues with nearby properties, within the plot itself but also over the nearby green burial ground.
These challenges have informed design decisions about the site layout and the height of the houses to ensure the development complements the local vernacular. Safe access and egress but also manoeuvring within the site also had to be resolved with the aim of creating an aesthetically pleasing yet safe place to live.
Here is an article from BD Daily News about the scheme.
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Willow House – Menston
Menston, West Yorkshire
Bowman Riley has designed Willow House, a new five-bedroom detached property on the Main Street of the desirable West Yorkshire village of Menston.
Our design approach has been to create a bespoke new family home that combines Georgian features with a sleek modern twist. The front facade with its long Georgian windows and symmetrical proportions will be built in punched face blackened stone to be in keeping with the existing street scene. Aluminium cladding and zinc at the rear provide a more contemporary aesthetic featuring a frameless glazed box protruding into the back garden.
Willow House will provide a high standard of living with quality finishes and interesting features including a striking entranceway made entirely with smooth-faced ashlar stone and a recessed balcony to the master bedroom.
Located on brownfield land on the site of a former annex building to the original farmhouse, the new property is a narrow slither of land with various restrictions. Our challenge was to create a five bedroom property with driveway and garage ensuring positive views from all habitable rooms.
The placement of the building included working around an agreed zone on the site that the building footprint could not cross. We had to manage window to window distances between the neighboring plot with narrow conditions.
We retained as much of the existing trees and plants on the site as possible, making sure not to interfere with the identified root protection zones whilst providing a generously sized driveway for three cars with turning head and garage.
This commision for Bankhead Group followed the successful completion of Westbourne Drive in Menston.
Follow Bankhead Group on Instagram to follow their work: https://www.instagram.com/bankhead_group/
Westbourne Drive – Menston, Bradford
Bankhead Group
Bowman Riley has designed a new detached family house on 0.296 acres of land to the rear of 20 Victoria Avenue currently occupied by a garden in Westbourne Drive, Menston.
Spanning over three storeys, the new home will comprise four/five bedrooms with three en-suites. A study and semi-open plan kitchen/lounge area will have a full height exposed pitch roof on the top floor, so that a generous internal head height can be provided whilst also remaining appropriate within the context of its neighbours. An internal lift provides easy access to all floors.
The proposal takes advantage of the level change across the site by integrating a contemporary plan into the design proposal. The ridge height remains consistent with its neighbours and remains subservient to the original properties on Victoria Avenue.
The design retains the existing established stone wall to front of the property. The design maximises the views from all bedrooms, with the master bedroom overlooking the Yorkshire countryside. On the first floor, additional amenity space is provided in the form of a roof terrace. A full height south facing curtain wall helps to maximise natural light. The design has received planning consent.
Pannal House Farm – Harrogate
Private Client
Harrogate
Bowman Riley was commissioned to design a new detached family home on the site of a derelict barn and farmhouse in a picturesque rural setting near Harrogate.
Initially, we examined the possibility of renovating the existing buildings, however, the costs associated with making the buildings structurally safe proved to be prohibitive.
The project now involves the demolition of a derelict barn and farmhouse to make space for a new six-bedroom property with a kitchen, five reception rooms, six bathrooms and a gym. The existing milking parlour will also be developed into garage space with potential for conversion into a swimming pool.
Our brief is to retain the characteristics of the farmhouse and barn but alter the orientation of the new property to make better use of the view over the valley.
This attractive new home has been designed to re-use the stone from the existing buildings and to be in keeping with the rural soundings.
Two designs have been presented to the client for consideration; one traditional in style, one more contemporary. We are currently developing the schemes for the client providing floor plans, visuals and 3D walk-throughs of the two potential options with a view to take one of these forward for further development.
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New Build Contemporary Home – Yorkshire
Private client
Yorkshire
Bowman Riley was approached to design a new contemporary detached home within the grounds of an existing plot in Yorkshire. The clients brief was very specific in their requirement for a contemporary design that reflected their modern lifestyle.
Following careful analysis of the existing site, Bowman Riley designed a unique contemporary dwelling that both respected the historical features of the existing site while providing modern, open plan living that reflected the client’s aspirations. The accommodation was provided over two storeys with a low profile, overhanging roof that allowed the new house to fit sensitively within its open countryside setting.
A feature cylindrical tower, containing the main circular stair, marked the entrance to the house and represented a modern reinterpretation of the traditional turret found in many of the historic buildings within the surrounding context. To the ground floor, a large double height living area provided views over the open countryside beyond, with a feature double-sided fireplace connecting to the open plan kitchen dinner opposite.
On the first floor, views were again provided from an internal balcony over the main living space and out to the dramatic external landscape. Private masters quarters were provided off to one half of the upper floor with ensuite bathroom, dressing room, and access to an external terrace. A further two double bedrooms and house bathroom completed the first-floor accommodation.
Designed by architect and associate Craig Mewse
New Build Concept Design – London
Private client
London
Bowman Riley prepared a detailed concept design for a new luxury house on a private road in London.
An existing residential property was purchased on a 0.389 of an acre site with the intention of demolishing it to make way for a larger property of up to 7000sqm.
The client requested designs for a large contemporary style residence along with an alternative option for a traditional architectural styled house.
The design process involved research into the high end London residential market focusing on unique architectural properties. The design evolved around a simple palette of materials and finishes whilst maximising the existing plot and the proposed orientation of the building.
Key features of the interior would be a double height galleried entrance hall and landing. Large open plan living, dining and entertaining spaces overlooking the landscaped gardens. An east wing would contain a triple garage with potential guest and staff facilities and utility functions.
We developed a full 3D concept model to generate specific views with which to present to the client within an aspirational brochure format. We developed a look and feel that would provide the high standards for a property of this status and location providing very high levels of quality, finish and appearance.
The Sidings Residential Development – Menston
Menston, West Yorkshire
Bowman Riley designed two new four-bedroom detached homes for the developer, the Bankhead Group, on a narrow strip of land located between Burley Lane and the existing railway line in the desirable village of Menston near the cities of Leeds and Bradford.
Permission had previously been granted for a single property on the site, however, our client aspired to develop the site more effectively by introducing a second property to the site. To achieve this, we made changes to the approved application and resubmitted it to allow for a shared drive, optimising the rear garden space and providing private parking on site. We also made minor tweaks to the layout of the already approved scheme.
Working on a very narrow site, the design of the second plot is bespoke and reflects the topography including restrictions such as avoiding root protection areas and ensuring adequate space alongside both plots where provided.
Each property was designed individually, however, the development is drawn together cohesively by incorporating the same materials and design details on both properties.
Each property welcomes residents with a double height atrium entrance using the contemporary feature slot windows to create a light-filled space. High-quality natural stone roofing materials are proposed.
Bespoke boundary treatments use horizontal sleepers spaced apart between steel grey posts to boundary walls replicate the look of the railway line. Image credit: Bankhead Group.
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New Build Detached Family Home – North Yorkshire
Private client
Skipton, North Yorkshire
Bowman Riley designed a new build four bedroom detached stone family home in the Skipton, North Yorkshire for a private client.
The client purchased a house in a desirable rural location with picturesque views. The client loved the plot and position of the house but not the property itself.
We worked closely with the client to achieve planning consent for a new home. Our strategy involved submitting an initial application for an extension and be re-clad in stone. We then applied for a new build to the specification of the previous application, so the drawings were the same and would not be refused.
The budget-led project was a collaborative design and build development. We took into account the difficulty in accessing the site using tight country roads when specifying the building materials.
The sustainable elements of the project included air source heat pumps and was high levels of insulation. Good levels of acoustics were requested by the client and were achieved by using concrete flooring.
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Arts and Crafts Style House Extensions – North Yorkshire
Private Client
North Yorkshire
Bowman Riley provided detailed designs and contract administration on the alterations and extensions to a private house in Yorkshire. This significant detached five bedroom family home set in extensive grounds commissioned by a wealthy mill owner in 1926.
It was originally designed in the contemporary Arts and Crafts style by a local architectural practice but is thought to have been based on a design published by the famous architect Baille Scott.
Working alongside three interior designers, our role involved the construction detailing and on-site assistance of significant new build extensions including a new single-storey orangery with four exposed oak frames internally and a new two-storey double garage with living and bedroom accommodation above.
The project involved the replacement of the main entrance porch and a feature double-height staircase connecting the existing property and the new extension. In the grounds, we were involved in the coordination of a 5x10m replacement outdoor swimming pool with terrace areas and plant room contained within a new external curved garden store. The existing driveway was upgraded throughout and a new front parking courtyard provided.
The property retains many original features, including the internal wood panelling to the hall and gallery and the client was keen that new additions were designed in to be in keeping with the existing style. To meet our clients’ expectations and to provide the highest quality extensions and enhancements to their home, specialist and bespoke fixtures and fittings were incorporated throughout including Vale and Velfac windows and the installation of the latest IT system. The works were completed to our clients’ satisfaction.
Listed Georgian Townhouse Refurbishment – Bloomsbury, London
Private Client
Bloomsbury, London
Bowman Riley was appointed to design the refurbishment of a Grade II listed Georgian town house at John Street in the Bloomsbury Conservation Area.
Built between 1799 and 1824, 15 John Street is a four storey property including a basement and the centre house of 11 terraced houses. Originally designed and used as a residential property, it had been converted into offices in later years.
With planning permission for a change of use secured in 2013, Bowman Riley’s design proposals are to remove a number of added features that remain from its previous office use and to restore it to its original function as a five bedroom family home.
The design proposal is to extend the property at the rear and enlarge a light-well, internal alterations, light refurbishment to the elevations and retain key historical features.
The character and appearance of the listed building will be maintained and any repairs carried out with the utmost care to maintain any distinctive features. The proposals of the internal layout is to make minor amendments to the house to ensure its suitability for today’s and future use.
Redevelopment of Detached home – Yorkshire
Private Client
Yorkshire
Bowman Riley was commissioned by the new owners of this private house to provide architectural assistance to substantially redevelop their detached family home located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
We provided feasibility studies, planning, construction and on-site assistance to extend and modernise the 100-year-old five bedroom house.
The property was extended to include a new two storey curved main entrance extension with helical oak feature staircase and skylight double height space.
The work also comprised a new single storey kitchen extension and extensive structural works to improve the internal arrangement of the building including modern open plan kitchen and dining area.
All the period features were retained including fireplaces, skylight to landing and joinery to openings. Traditional materials were used throughout the building envelope to match the existing building including natural stone walling with sawn stone door and window surrounds and new sliding sash windows throughout.
Sustainable heating was installed by means of wood pellet boiler, which will be compatible with a possible future ground source heat system
Reynard Crag House – Harrogate
Private Client
Birstwith, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Bowman Riley designed three extensions to a stone built private family house with mullioned windows and a slate roof situated in a tranquil setting above the small village of Birstwith, Harrogate.
Originally built as a modest flat roofed house, the property was extended and modified in the late 1990s to create a gabled roof and entrance porch and to convert the outbuilding into domestic accommodation. The current owners wanted to undertake further improvements to get the maximum use out of their family home and to better suit their active and expanding family life.
The extensions comprise a single storey covered link between the main house and ancillary accommodation and to extend the main house to allow relocation of the kitchen and provide a new entrance visible on approach to the building.
The link provides a safe covered walkway between buildings and creates two courtyards, a public courtyard at the front for guests and a private courtyard at the rear for the family providing a secure area for children to play, now separate from the driveway.
A two storey gable extension accommodates a new open plan living/dining/kitchen area with views over the scenic landscape. The ancillary building incorporating a standing seam lead roof and a single storey orangery.
New Build Family Home – Yorkshire
Won through competition, Bowman Riley designed a contemporary new build family home and garden in Yorkshire.
The brief was to create a contemporary two bedroom home using a palette of stone, timber and glass materials that would have minimal impact on its surroundings.
Our concept was to build the property into the hillside to give the appearance of a single storey dwelling when viewed from adjoining properties, with a two storey aspect to the private side. We erected a full-size scaffold model to demonstrate that the new property could not be seen over the existing landscape.
The home was created to be highly insulated centred around a wood burning stove heating the space including the mezzanine level.
Bowman Riley became involved in the scheme following an initial design by another firm of architects, which was objected to by the neighbours and refused planning permission. Our design achieved planning consent, however, there is an historic covenant on part of the garden.
The client is currently perusing legal avenues to remove the covenant and in the meantime, part of the structure has been erected outside the area to maintain the planning consent.