The retention of the traditional looking home from the street has been achieved by turning the pitched roof into a mansard roof with the additional slates necessary being reclaimed. Quoin style detailing on the existing dwelling has been replicated on the façade of the front extension. The contemporary feel that was desired at the rear has been created through the huge open plan space extension, broken up by an exposed steel frame with circular columns, and internal exposed facing brickwork, complete with ground floor chilled wine ‘cellar’.

The entertaining and socialising space needed to effortlessly spill from the dining area/kitchen onto the terrace; this was achieved by glass and aluminium crittall doors and windows. These really bring the magic alive by bringing the outside in, but also uniquely take the inside out and give it a real sociable atmosphere.

As the property sits tight to the boundary line, to secure buildings regulations’ approval, we had to prove the outcome of fire spread for the cladding to the first floor extension. We wanted the crisp contemporary look and stunning finish that charred timber gives, but due to the change in fire regulations, the cladding had to be treated to new minimum standards. We pursued Siberian Larch, as once treated it not only has the required aesthetics but its performance is better than many of the other timber products we considered.

The ground floor construction of suspended beam and block was influenced by the placement of the public sewer, and a secret gutter was encapsulated within the extension to keep the rain water goods inconspicuous. Energy efficient and sustainable elements have been incorporated for either their renewable self-generating properties, recyclable properties and/or circular lifespan virtues.

“I wasn’t expecting this when I walked inside” will be echoed many times over with this property.