Designing with Light, Budget and Sustainability in Mind
At Barefoot Architects, we believe that good design is about more than aesthetics – it’s about creating spaces that feel uplifting, sustainable, and achievable. Every project we work on is a journey, and sometimes the most rewarding outcomes come from moments where we have to pause, rethink, and find a new way forward.
Recently, we’ve been working on a semi-detached home in Henleaze, Bristol. The existing house had a familiar problem: it felt dark and uninviting. Décor that hadn’t been updated in years, coupled with a rear extension that blocked the flow of natural light from the south, left the main living areas feeling gloomy and disconnected from the garden.
Our first instinct was to strip things back. We proposed removing the rear extension entirely, opening up the space and reconnecting the house with the garden. On paper, it was a strong idea – but when the project went out to tender, the build costs came in higher than expected. Suddenly, we faced a challenge that many homeowners will recognise: how do you balance aspiration with budget, without losing the magic of the design?
The answer came through reimagining the existing structure rather than demolishing it. By retaining the extension, knocking through internally, and carefully introducing skylights and new windows, we were able to unlock light and space in a clever, efficient way. Not only did this simplify construction – reducing the need for new foundations, concrete, and steel – it also brought the project comfortably back within budget.
This shift made the design more environmentally friendly too. Reusing what was already there meant less demolition, less waste, and a lower carbon footprint – all while creating a space that feels bright, generous, and deeply connected to the outdoors. In fact, the retained floor area meant the home gained more usable space than in our original proposal.
This project is a reminder of something we hold at the heart of our practice: design is iterative. The best ideas often come through exploration, adaptation, and collaboration. Every option we draw up is tested against multiple measures – does it suit your lifestyle and brief? Does it feel inspiring? Is it environmentally responsible? And crucially, does it fit your budget? Only when all these pieces align do we know we’ve found the right solution.
If you’re considering a project of your own – whether that’s transforming a family home, extending into your garden, or creating something entirely new – we’d love to explore it with you. Our role is to guide you through the process with creativity, care, and a practical eye, helping you achieve a home that feels just right for you. Sign up for an Initial Design Consultation here.