We were approached to extend an existing 1960s house in need of more generous living spaces. Spaces in the existing ground floor were segregated, with a poor relationship to the garden. This didn’t work for our clients who had a young family and needed larger, better connected spaces.

Whilst there was room to the rear of the property, our approach was to design a two-storey side extension which worked with the site’s complex topography and allowed our clients to preserve their much-loved garden filled with lavender.

At the ground floor, we designed open plan living and kitchen spaces that would ensure our clients could cook, eat and relax in the same space.  Above this, we created a new master bedroom and ensuite. To ensure the new addition read as an extension to the main house, we designed a slender glazed break between the two volumes, creating a subtle distinction between old and new. This set back created opportunities to provide subtle zoning within larger spaces; at ground level we integrated planters on the new extension help the building feel like a natural addition to the landscape. Upstairs, the projection creates an opportunity for a cosy window seat framing views to the garden.

The new double volume creates significant additional space for the homeowners to enjoy. The design and detailing are contemporary whilst being deliberately subservient to both the main house and the mature garden setting.