AC Architects were appointed to provide designs to extend this family home on a large plot in a village location. The house had been purchased with an existing planning permission in place for part of the works, however the new owners were keen to reconfigure, extend and personalise the design.

Alterations to the ground floor were reformatted to improve circulation by removal of the steep and narrow staircase at the principal entrance which previously split the house in two. As desired, sight lines were achieved throughout, connecting the garden visually with all the accommodation, making the most of the open views to the rear.

At first floor, the bedroom accommodation has been increased to provide well-proportioned rooms, maintaining the original features of the house whilst providing accommodation for a growing family.

Natural daylight and good ventilation has been included throughout the property and the new larger stairwell includes a light well which introduces daylight into the plan via roof-lights on both north and south roof slopes. The ridge light over the family room allows natural ventilation via opening lights and incorporates solar-controlled glass to avoid overheating the room (a critical requirement with the south-facing orientation).

To the front, the original appearance of the property, visible from a primary route through the village, is retained. To the rear, the extensions provide a material contrast to the existing house with stained larch cladding, forming a modern contrast and relief to the rear façade.