How do I bathroom / kitchen / extension? etc.

Cool. Some opinions on each end of the spectrum there. I sent photos to my architect and he's not concerned by it.

I think there's also some variables/context which would influence my view.

Eg If a brickie who's doing the rest of the extention did it, maybe it's a bit worrying. But if the brickie isn't on site until next week or whatever, given it's not being seen it would be inefficient to either get one on site to fill a hole like that, or not make use of the resources already on site to tick the job off.

In which case if a labourer has been told to get it filled by the end of the day, then it seems fair enough to me.

Contacting the architect is a good idea anyway, because at least it sets a bit of a tone that you care about this sort of stuff.

I'm leaning towards it being a time- and materials-efficient way to fill the gap. Bricks were recycled from kitchen extension that was coming down. The new extension will have one brick wall but the rest will be wood. I've raised the finish with the architect, who's not worried. But I'll certainly raise it with the builder and just check that he's aware that this sort of finish on exposed brickwork would be a very big problem. I don't think that would ever happen, but for peace of mind I'll raise it.

But I'll certainly raise it with the builder and just check that he's aware that this sort of finish on exposed brickwork would be a very big problem.

I'm trying and failing to envisage how I would have that conversation successfully! Or how it would be constructive.

It looks dreadful, but as you say, it'll be covered, so if it's structurally ok, who cares.

To an extent I think you have to let things like this go to save your sanity. Every building has issues, so pick the ones that are worth fighting and ignore the rest imo.

Another cute bench, this time with a seamless transition to the outside.

Ignore the ghastly plastic death carpet in the garden...

https://yardarchitects.co.uk/the-slatted-extension

1 Attachment

This. Awks.

Them ceiling slats.

The style of the existing kitchen vs the extension is bare jarring.

I think generally the trouble with benches is they're bloody uncomfortable. They're either too deep so you can't sit back properly, there's no backrest but a ledge or something to stop you leaning against the wall or the backrest and seat are at right angles which gets uncomfortable after a while.

Surely those issues are all preventable though? Add a back to the bench, make sure it's not at right angles...?

Definitely preventable, but everyone seems to go for aesthetics over comfort.

I think the intention with most of these bench setups, and deffo with the one we're installing, is to mostly use chairs for day to day seating, and the benches as 'overflow' during dinner parties or whatever, where you can make things nicer with extra cushions & shit. It's also nice to be able to lie along a bench and read (aka sesh phone) with your feet up.

For us, the main boon is being able to use the benches as storage; they'll have full depth slide-out drawers for hiding crap that doesn't need regular access.

For us, the main boon is being able to use the benches as storage; they'll have full depth slide-out drawers for hiding crap that doesn't need regular access.

i get the point, but for me, more storage = more crap.
i considered built in bench seating when we did our extension, but decided that flexibility of movable benches / dining table / option to open out the floor space for parties etc. was more beneficial.

have you considered storage benches on castors?

Them ceiling slats.

I realise this is a proper dull, killjoy comment but how fucking grim are they going to look in a couple of years time once they're thick with dust and cooking grease.

Owners or probably someone else climbs up there once a year in spring and cleans them?

Not saying I wipe the top of my kitchen units once a year, but when I do it's really satisfying.

the main boon is being able to use the benches as storage

Exactly this, surely the main benefit?

Also allows a table closer by a wall than would otherwise be comfortable

Yeah the slats are bullshit, but I love the threshold-free indoor/outdoor bench under the pivot window.

Benches on castors would be cool. Can you share photos of your extension?

I'll dig some out and find some pics of what it was like before.
disclaimer - don't be expecting a luffguss 40k mega kitchen, that was more than the budget for the entire build 🙃

I quite liked the idea of one of these on wheels as a moving bench/shoe store for the hallway.. bit kallaxy but not sure how you make a storage bench without being boxes.

We have a storage bench. It is kinda handy but I find crap gets left on top of it making it really annoying to get to the stuff inside. So stuff that goes inside is kind of buried.

I was thinking less lift up top, more pull out drawers.
maybe I'll do a design

We have a storage bench.

If I specced one it'd have a sloping top to prevent crap being left on top of it.

Do you design benches for the council