The Art of Multi-Generational Living: A Transformation in Old Tupton
The Challenge
The original property, an extended five-bedroom dormer bungalow in Old Tupton, Chesterfield, had served the family well for years but was beginning to show its age. The kitchen felt dated, and the entrance was dominated by a bulky staircase that blocked natural light, making the first point of entry feel enclosed and uninviting.
The primary driver for the project was a significant lifestyle shift: the client’s mother was moving in. The brief required a new downstairs bedroom that was fully accessible and independent, yet integrated enough that she didn't feel isolated from the family bustle. Furthermore, the existing living spaces failed to take advantage of the property’s position, missing the opportunity to connect with the expansive Derbyshire landscape beyond the garden.
The Design Solution
At MAD Architects LLP, we believe the best architecture solves multiple problems with a single, cohesive move. Rather than adding a small 'bolt-on' room, we designed a front extension that 'stretched' across the face of the house. This created a generous, independent bedroom with private glazed doors, while simultaneously forming a new, functional porch area with much-needed integrated storage.
To address the dark interior, we replaced the cumbersome staircase with a clean, straight-run timber design. By pushing back the landing floor and introducing a new window, we turned a dark corridor into a double-height, light-flooded gallery.
The "big move" at the rear involved removing the restrictive walls between the original kitchen and living room. We added a modern flat-roof extension to create a vast, open-plan kitchen, dining, and family hub. This space was designed specifically to frame the outdoors; large-format sliding doors were installed to dissolve the boundary between inside and out, maximizing the panoramic views of the garden and the rolling Derbyshire countryside.
From the Site: Technical Problem Solving
Architectural oversight is most vital when the unexpected happens. Upon excavating for the foundations, the builder discovered ground conditions that were significantly poorer than anticipated. MAD Architects LLP acted immediately, liaising with the structural engineer to redesign the foundations and floor structure. This rapid response ensured the build could continue without significant delays.
To achieve the client's dream of a seamless open-plan space, we focused on the structural detailing. Often, large openings require 'downstand' beams that protrude from the ceiling, visually splitting the room. We coordinated the steelwork to sit entirely within the floor zone. The result is a perfectly flush ceiling that flows from the original house into the extension.
The Result
The finished home in Old Tupton is a masterclass in modern, inclusive design. The palette of white render and grey aluminium bi-folds acts as a clear contemporary intervention, marking the new additions as a bold architectural statement against the property's previous history.
The home now functions on three distinct levels:
The Heart: The new open-plan kitchen and family room serves as the engine room for family life. With the sliding doors open, the space extends onto a new patio, providing a constant visual connection to the Derbyshire countryside. It is here that all generations now gather comfortably.
The Retreat: The private, accessible 'granny flat' offers independence and garden access through its own glazed doors, providing a quiet sanctuary away from the main family bustle without feeling clinical.
The Welcome: A spacious, inviting hallway that has replaced 'clutter' with calm, light-filled volume, anchored by the new timber staircase.
Ultimately, this transformation has turned a fragmented bungalow into a purpose-built sanctuary. By balancing the technical demands of accessibility with a modern, open aesthetic, we have created a home that doesn't just accommodate three generations—it celebrates them, providing a backdrop where everyone has their own space while remaining firmly connected to the heart of the family.