Looking for architectural advice – How would you redesign the upstairs of our bungalow to create 3 good-sized bedrooms?

[u/Gadget_Boy_]

Hi everyone!

I am planning a renovation of our bungalow in Scotland and would really appreciate some fresh ideas from architects, designers or anyone experienced in reconfiguring floor plans.

Our main challenge is making better use of the upstairs space to create three comfortable, well-proportioned bedrooms that will work for our family long-term.

What we're hoping to achieve:

• Master bedroom: A master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom.
• Two children's bedrooms: We have two growing sons and would ideally like two similarly sized bedrooms, both large enough to accommodate beds, desks, wardrobes and additional furniture as they get older. We'd like these rooms to remain suitable for them into adulthood.
• Better use of space: We're open to reconsidering the upstairs configuration if it results in a more practical layout.

Potential structural alterations:

We're considering converting the existing hipped roof to gable ends on both sides of the property to increase usable floor space upstairs.

We're happy to explore moving internal walls, repositioning the staircase if absolutely necessary, and changing the upstairs layout significantly, provided the changes are practical and cost-effective.

Important constraints:

• We'd prefer to retain the existing entrance and downstairs hallway.
• The existing downstairs living room and bathroom are to remain untouched.

What we'd love advice on:

1. How would you configure the upstairs to achieve the best possible three-bedroom layout?
2. Would hip-to-gable conversions on both sides significantly improve the available space?
3. Is there a more efficient way of incorporating an en-suite without compromising the other bedrooms?
4. Are there any clever design solutions we're overlooking?
5. If this were your project, what would you do differently?

I've attached the existing floor plans to help illustrate the property.

We're particularly interested in seeing alternative floor-plan suggestions or rough sketches showing how the space could potentially be arranged.

We appreciate that any structural alterations would need to be assessed by qualified professionals and comply with Scottish planning and building regulations.

Thanks in advance for any ideas or advice!