Client: Clive
Project: Private Flat
Budget: 50K
Status: Completed 2012

You don’t immediately think it, but strangely there are a lot of similarities between long distance running and the process of architecture! Both are long hard roads full of discipline and commitment, at times pain, but at the end there is that overwhelming sense of achievement. Although we are not sure Clive, owner of this charming old school building, a generally laid back gent and super speedy marathon runner, quite expected this on the start line of his project.

The discipline and commitment: Here at JaK, we are always committed to testing the design of every project. Not content with simply giving this charming old school building a quick makeover, with Clive’s excited input we embarked on installing an ambitious new mezzanine structure, gym, kitchen and en suite shower room within a tight budget.

The pain: Building and construction are complex processes and can be fraught with difficulties. But after 3 leaks, 2 smashed pieces of toughened glass, 1 burnt delivery truck and 1 major operation, it has to be said that this was a project like no other!

The Achievement: The result unquestionably was worth the effort. We managed to create a warm living and dining space overlooked by a cantilevered glazed study and library area. The insertion of a timber box worked beautifully within the fabric of the old school hall, opening up to reveal the kitchen and gym beyond. Up in the master bedroom, we created a ‘black box’ within the dramatic vaulted ceiling which contains an en suite with walk-in shower. No – we don’t often say this but on this one, we pushed ourselves to the maximum. Although we were all pretty exhausted at the end, we think we have all done ourselves proud. Attempting to create art is a challenging process!  Before we hang up our running trainers for this blog post we will leave you with a quote from a great man;

“Get up and walk if you have to, but finish the damned race”
Ron Hill, UK running legend and ran every day since 1964.