The interiors of the original house were in good order having been recently refurbished. But the house was disadvantaged by the outdated conservatory on the back, and the fact that the main living spaces were all constrained to the proportions of the Victorian rooms.

Our clients wanted one large multi-functioning family space, yet all the traditional options for extending had already been done to the house. The answer was to go under the garden.

The new basement space is connected by a lightwell to the upper ground floor, allowing lots of light to flood down to the lower level. This double height area is the focal point of the interior, surrounded by the dining room, kitchen and living spaces. It is here where the level changes from the dining area to the kitchen, a split section, letting more light in.

We replaced the old conservatory - and extended a little further into the garden by stepping away from the neighbouring boundaries. Our clients required a low maintenance garden so this is a very minimalist stone paved area. An external light well, and large sections of glass floor are strategically positioned to get the best distribution of natural light into the lower spaces.