Swanbourne Alterations and Additions [Concept]
A Sanctuary for Ageing in Place
This alterations and additions project transforms an existing home into a refined, future ready residence designed to support ageing in place through thoughtful, design led renovation. Combining accessibility, luxury and architectural sensitivity, the project demonstrates how well considered residential alterations and additions can extend the life of a home while enhancing comfort, mobility and everyday liveability. Working closely with the original structure, the design introduces a private upstairs sanctuary alongside targeted ground floor upgrades, allowing the home to adapt gracefully to changing needs over time.
Rather than defaulting to a coastal or Hamptons aesthetic, the brief called for a distinctly Mediterranean sensibility to compliment the existing building form and materials. Warm materials, layered textures and considered detailing create spaces that feel grounded, intimate and quietly generous. Every intervention is designed to complement the home’s existing character, allowing the new work to feel integrated rather than imposed.
Project brief
A design led alterations and additions project focused on ageing in place, mobility and long term liveability. The brief called for a private upstairs retreat supported by discreet accessibility upgrades, including lift integration, a new powder room and a reconfigured main bedroom and ensuite. A Mediterranean inspired material palette and carefully detailed joinery ensure functional requirements are delivered with warmth, dignity and architectural clarity.
Alterations and Additions with Purpose
The project demonstrates how thoughtful alterations and additions can dramatically improve liveability while respecting the emotional connection to an existing home. Following the passing of her husband, the client sought a space that felt secure, uplifting and adaptable for living independently both now and into the future.
Downstairs, the home was upgraded to accommodate mobility requirements with the discreet integration of a lift and a new powder room. These changes are deliberately understated, prioritising ease of movement and dignity without visually signalling accessibility. The result is a house that supports daily life seamlessly, rather than one that feels overtly modified.
Upstairs, the additions form a self contained sanctuary centred around a generous main bedroom, ensuite and private outdoor areas. This level becomes a retreat that balances privacy, comfort and outlook, offering a sense of refuge within the broader home.
A New Deck as Architectural Connector
A key element of the project is the complete replacement of the existing deck, which was in poor condition and limited the home’s connection to light and landscape. The new deck is raised to increase openness and improve natural light penetration, creating a more airy and welcoming environment both inside and out.
Positioned with commanding views to the West - North West, the deck softens the relationship to neighbouring properties through the establishment of a continuous planted edge and the addition of automated Venetian blinds which can be fully retracted when desired. This strategy enhances privacy without reliance on heavy screening, allowing light and breezes to filter through.
Designing for Ageing in Place
The main bedroom and bathroom are designed with mobility in mind, yet read unmistakably as luxurious, hotel inspired spaces. Doorways and openings are widened to accommodate future needs, while circulation is deliberately generous to support ease of movement.
Accessibility features are carefully concealed within bespoke joinery. Built in grab rails are integrated into cabinetry detailing, maintaining a refined aesthetic while providing essential support. This approach ensures the space feels elevated and considered, rather than clinical.
Toilets and showers are treated as design moments in their own right. Rich material palettes, curved forms and precise detailing transform these functional spaces into environments that feel indulgent and restorative.
Elevated Bathroom Design
The ensuite draws inspiration from boutique hotel interiors, layering soft window furnishings with feature pendant lighting to create warmth and intimacy. Tactile surfaces and subtle contrasts enhance the sense of comfort, while natural light is carefully controlled to maintain privacy.
This attention to detail lifts the bathroom beyond utility, reinforcing the idea that ageing in place can be synonymous with quality, beauty and enjoyment of space.
Our Approach to Alterations and Additions
This project reflects our expertise in alterations and additions that are both practical and design led. By working with existing structures, we help homeowners extend the life of their homes while adapting them to changing needs.
Whether integrating accessibility features, reconfiguring layouts or introducing new architectural elements such as decks and upper level additions, our approach prioritises longevity, comfort and architectural coherence. Each project is tailored to the client’s lifestyle, ensuring the result feels personal, purposeful and enduring.
If you are considering alterations and additions to support ageing in place, improve mobility or simply elevate the way your home functions, this project demonstrates how thoughtful design can deliver lasting value without sacrificing character or atmosphere.