The customer wanted the bay window expanding as the current window limited the amount of light coming into the room.
At Swallow Hill Homes, we believe in transforming houses into dream homes, often by maximizing the use of existing space and bringing more natural light inside. Our recent project at Penhale Drive, Hucknall, Nottingham, is a perfect example of this dedication, converting a simple bay window canopy into a spacious, full walk-in bay.
The client’s vision was to dramatically change their living room by extending the opening and creating a fully integrated bay space they could walk into. However, a seemingly straightforward extension presented a complex structural challenge: the foundations.
The property had a large, 1.7-meter-high Leylandi hedge situated close to where the new footing needed to be laid. When dealing with clay soil—the ground condition we expected on site—the removal of mature vegetation like this can cause significant issues due to potential soil heave as the ground rehydrates. Building Control (Turton) rightly required a detailed structural engineer’s design for the footing.
To ensure the structural integrity of the new addition and to avoid any long-term issues, such as undermining the existing house foundations, we brought in the expertise of Wayne Cheung, a Chartered Engineer from DFG Consulting. Our plan was to dig a new footing down to the level of the existing building’s foundation, which we estimated to be around 90-100cm below ground level.
Wayne’s team provided a comprehensive structural report and calculations, which allowed us to proceed with confidence. The design specifically incorporated 100mm of heave protection along the edge of the new footing to mitigate the risks associated with the removal of the dense Leylandi roots. This proactive approach ensures the new structure remains stable for decades to come, even with the presence of expansive clay soils.
We prioritise getting the groundwork right, as a solid foundation is essential for any renovation. After securing the necessary structural design, and with the hedge and roots quickly removed, we were able to press ahead with pouring the concrete footing in a timely manner. The structural package was delivered swiftly on March 17, 2026, allowing us to maintain our momentum on site.
The transformation from a modest canopy to a full bay window creates a stunning new focal point in the living room, adding valuable, usable space and flooding the room with light. The entire refurbishment of the living room at Penhale Drive was scheduled for completion over a five-week duration, starting in March 2026.
This project demonstrates Swallow Hill Homes’ commitment to delivering clients’ visions while expertly navigating technical and structural complexities. Whether it is a kitchen extension, a full renovation, or simply expanding a window space, we rely on precise planning and expert structural guidance to deliver uncompromising quality. If you are looking to enhance your home with high-end craftsmanship, from concept to compliant completion, contact us today.