The simple form of this light-filled contemporary extension is animated by a largeshallow-pitched central rooflight, twisted due-south to maximise winter solarpenetration and create a focal point for family life.

The key ambition of the project was to create a single flexible large-scaledcontemporary living space, and connect this new heart of the home imaginativelyto the client's 54m long rear garden. The solution was to conceive the extensionas the first of a number of garden pavilions, each with complimentary yet distinctuses and materials.

A number of design moves reinforce this approach. The blunt-cut pyramidal roofform emphasises the independent nature of the room from the main body of thehouse, and its desire to connect with the garden. Rich red-gum timber panels linethree sides of the interior, strengthening the special character of the extension andfurther defining the space, whilst also concealing steelwork nibs, services, storageand doors back into the main house and utility room.

Every detail has been considered to ensure the extension responds to the way theyoung family experience and use the building. With low-level drawers forchildren's toys, a gold-brass lined secret cocktail cupboard for the grown-ups andlots of practical elements integrated into the linings, such as two additionalworktop spaces, a naturally-ventilated larder and a pull-out office come gadgetcharging point.

Full-width slimline sliding doors allow the outside to flow in and encourage thefamily to wander out into their own strip of London.