This project is a considered extension to a late Victorian timber dwelling that had previously undergone a reproduction-style renovation in the 1980s. While that renovation attempted to modernize the home, it ultimately fell short of supporting the needs of a growing family. The internal layout was fragmented, the rooms were dark, and the overall planning limited any meaningful connection to the outdoors.

Our brief was to transform the house into a light-filled, functional home that re-established its relationship with its garden setting and responded more intelligently to its orientation. The key architectural move was to extend the house laterally towards the side boundaries—particularly at the main bedroom and living area—unlocking new spatial opportunities and expanding the interior footprint without compromising outdoor space.

The original living room was reimagined as a generous, open-plan space designed to receive natural light from three sides. This not only brightened the heart of the home but also created visual and physical links to the surrounding landscape. New openings and carefully framed views draw the garden into the interior, encouraging a fluid relationship between inside and out.

A central design focus was the integration of architecture and landscape. The connection between indoor and outdoor living was strengthened through the use of consistent materiality and detailing—landscaping, external paving, floor finishes, and rendered walls all work together to provide a sense of continuity. These elements were chosen not just for their visual cohesion, but also for how they support daily family life, offering durable and tactile surfaces that age gracefully over time.

This extension doesn’t just add space; it redefines the home’s connection to light, aspect, and environment. It’s a quiet transformation that respects the original character of the house while introducing a contemporary layer that supports modern living in a warm, calm, and connected way.