Kieran

Change of Use Wigan, Turning Underused Space into Modern Office Accommodation on Wigan Lane   Change of Use WiganSee how a Wigan Lane project converted underused residential space into modern office accommodation for local businesses. Breathing Life Back into Underused Buildings Across Wigan, a lot of older buildings have upper floors that just aren’t being […]

What £40k, £60k and £80k Extensions costs Actually Look Like in Real Life Many homeowners ask the same question: What can I actually get for £40,000, £60,000 or £80,000 on a house extension costs? It is one of the most common questions in the UK property market, and understandably so. Extension prices vary massively online,

Fire safety requirements for loft conversions in the UK (2026). Learn Building Regulations, escape routes, fire doors, and compliance tips for approval.     Fire safety loft conversion UK What fire safety is required for a loft conversion in the UK? A loft conversion must comply with Building Regulations Part B, including: Protected escape route

External Fire Escape Stair Design How Melrose Designs delivers safe, compliant & buildable escape solutions for vulnerable residents. 📸 Designing an external fire escape stair may look simple — but in real‑world care environments it is one of the most safety‑critical structural elements of a building. At Melrose Designs, we recently delivered the structural design,

Designing Family kitchen layout design: Layout Ideas That Actually Work for Real Life By Kieran Atherton, Founder of Melrose Designs Ltd Family kitchen layout design Discover Family kitchen layout design ideas that actually work for real life. Expert UK design advice for extensions, renovations & modern homes. 🏡 Introduction: Why Kitchen Layout Matters More Than

Open Plan Kitchen Extensions for family life Author: Kieran Atherton – Founder, Melrose Designs 🏠 What Is an Open Plan Kitchen Extension? An open plan kitchen extension is a home improvement that combines the kitchen, dining, and living areas into one large, connected space, typically by extending to the rear or side of a property

How to Keep Extension Costs Down: A Practical Guide for Homeowners   By Melrose Designs – Architectural Design & Building Regulations Specialists Short answer: You keep extension costs down by designing smarter at the planning stage, reducing structural complexity, choosing cost-effective construction methods, and avoiding late changes on site. This guide explains how to do

  Understanding the 25% Glazing Rule Extensions Why this question comes up all the time and how to design bright, modern extensions without falling foul of Building Regulations. Quick Answer  The 25% glazing rule extensions limits the amount of new glazing in an extension to 25% of the extension’s floor area under UK Building Regulations

The Complete Process: From Planning Permission to Building Regulations to Construction (2025 UK Guide)   By Kieran Atherton — Architectural Designer & Director of Melrose Designs planning permission to building regulations process Why This Guide Matters Most homeowners (and many designers) underestimate how long and detailed the journey is from a first idea to a

The Complete Guide to Getting a House Extension Under Permitted Development (and How Designers Can Avoid Planning Permission) By Kieran Atherton – Architectural Designer, Director of Melrose Designs Why This Guide Matters If you’re a homeowner or an architectural designer, knowing exactly what qualifies as Permitted Development (PD) can save: £462+ in planning fees 8–10

  The Complete Guide to Insulating Lean-To Roofs & Masonry Walls to UK Building Regulations (2025 Edition) By Melrose Designs – Architectural Designers Specialising in Home Extensions Across Wigan & the North West To meet the latest UK Building Regulations (2025), lean-to roofs and masonry walls typically need to achieve U-values between 0.13–0.18 W/m²K, depending

Introduction: Understanding Extension Costs in the North West Cost of House Extensions One of the most common questions I get from homeowners in Wigan, St Helens, and across the North West is: “How much does a house extension actually cost?” It’s an important question — but the truth is, no two projects are ever the

        Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Design Project   Introduction Starting a design project — whether it’s a house extension in Wigan, a loft conversion, or a full home renovation — can be exciting. But many homeowners make costly mistakes in the early stages that delay approvals, inflate budgets,

Melrose Designs recently completed an architectural rescue in Pemberton, helping a client who had been abandoned mid-project by their previous architect. Imagine this: you’ve invested thousands into your dream home extension, trusting an architect to guide you through the process. You’re ready to move forward, but when you ask for updated drawings to resubmit to

Designing a Unique Container House at Giants Hall Farm – A Retirement Home Project by Melrose Designs   Container House Design Wigan When most people picture a retirement home, they imagine a cosy bungalow or a traditional cottage. But at Melrose Designs, we love working with clients who think differently and want something truly unique.

From Concept to Completion: How Melrose Designs Brings Your Vision to Life Introduction At Melrose Designs, we believe that every great space begins with a great idea. Whether you’re dreaming of a modern extension, a full renovation, or a bespoke build, our team is here to guide you from concept to completion. In this blog,

Transforming Homes around Wigan: A Smart House Extension and Garage Conversion by Melrose Designs Stylish House Extension – Bringing Light, Space, and Functionality. At Melrose Designs, we love helping homeowners make the most of their space – and our latest project in Wigan is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can truly transform a

A Stunning Double Storey Extension by Melrose Designs   A Look at Our Latest Double Storey Extension in St Helens At Melrose Designs, we believe that great design is about more than just bricks and mortar — it’s about creating spaces that feel like home. Our latest project at Higher Lane, St Helens, is a perfect

Wrap Around Extension in Chorley – A Light-Filled Transformation Looking to transform your home with a stunning wrap around extension? That’s exactly what we helped deliver for our clients at their beautiful property in Chorley.                                        

At Melrose Designs, we’re proud to support homeowners through every stage of their extension project—from initial concept to Building Regulations approval. One of our latest projects, located on Pincock Street in Chorley, showcases a beautifully detailed rear extension that combines smart design with full regulatory compliance. Here’s a closer look at what went into the