Open-Plan Living

OPEN-PLAN LIVING

RIBA Stages 0-7

Unit3 Design Studio were appointed to design the complete refurbishment and extension of an existing bungalow in Liverpool, transforming a modest single-storey property into a contemporary, light-filled home with a series of carefully considered glazed gable-end additions.

The project involved a full reorganisation of the existing dwelling, improving the layout, increasing usable floor space and creating a stronger relationship between the internal living spaces and the surrounding garden. Rather than approaching the project as a simple rear extension, Unit3 developed a more ambitious architectural response, using three distinct glazed gable forms to create a series of connected but characterful spaces.

The new extensions were designed to accommodate a generous en-suite bedroom, a contemporary kitchen, and open-plan living, dining and social areas. Each gable element responds to a different part of the brief, helping to define the new accommodation while giving the home a strong architectural rhythm and identity.

A key part of the design was the introduction of large areas of glazing to the gable ends. These glazed openings bring natural light deep into the plan, frame views out towards the garden and create a greater sense of openness throughout the property. The repeated gable forms also allow the new extensions to feel residential and familiar in scale, while the full-height glazing and contemporary detailing give the bungalow a more refined and modern character.

Internally, the project was designed around a warm, calm and carefully detailed material palette. Timber herringbone flooring, soft neutral wall finishes, dark-framed glazing, exposed feature trusses and bespoke lighting help create a high-quality residential interior. The design balances contemporary architecture with a sense of warmth and comfort, producing a home that feels both elegant and practical.

The central circulation and entrance areas were reimagined to create a more generous arrival experience. A feature staircase, glass balustrading and carefully controlled natural light help create a sense of openness, while maintaining visual connections between the different parts of the home. This gives the refurbished bungalow a more spacious and architectural feel, with the internal layout organised around light, movement and views.

The kitchen, living and dining spaces were designed as the heart of the home. The gabled ceiling form, rooflights and exposed truss detailing create a dramatic but welcoming volume, while the open-plan arrangement allows the spaces to function flexibly for everyday family life, entertaining and social use. Large glazed doors connect the living areas directly to the garden, helping to blur the boundary between inside and outside.

The new en-suite bedroom accommodation was also designed to make the most of the gable form, using natural light, built-in storage and carefully positioned openings to create a calm and generous private space. The overall refurbishment improves the functionality of the home while giving the property a much stronger design identity.

For Unit3 Design Studio, the project demonstrates how an existing bungalow can be transformed through thoughtful architectural design, careful internal reconfiguration and well-proportioned contemporary extensions. By working with the existing structure and introducing a series of glazed gable additions, the scheme creates a home that is brighter, more spacious and better suited to modern living.

The Liverpool bungalow refurbishment reflects Unit3’s experience in residential architecture, house extensions, bespoke home design and contemporary refurbishment. The completed design combines natural light, warm materials, modern detailing and improved spatial planning to create a distinctive family home with a strong connection to its garden setting.

Work in progress

Unit3 are an award winning multi-disciplinary design studio based in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle. We work across three design sectors (architecture, graphic design and creative media) and help clients across the UK and internationally achieve great designs.

If you have a project in mind and would like to meet us, get in touch!