This extensive refurbishment and modest extension transformed a large but dated 1980s house into a light-filled contemporary family home.

 

Despite its size, the original property felt dark and disconnected from the garden. Snell David Cambridge Architects reimagined it as a cohesive, welcoming home with strong links to its landscape.

 

The central hall was opened up and the existing oversized grand repositioned, drawing daylight deep into the plan and improving flow. Smaller rear rooms were combined into a spacious open-plan kitchen and living area – now the heart of the home – with a dramatic double-height void that introduces sky views and a calm sense of volume.

 

A compact but defining rear extension, partly set below garden level, creates three connected family zones whilst drawing-in  panoramic garden views. Inside, a window seat nestles into the planting; outside, the Douglas Fir timber frame and pergola canopy evoke the warmth and lightness of a garden pavilion.

 

Thermal upgrades, including an insulated render wrap and high-performance replacement glazing to the original house, greatly improve energy efficiency and comfort. The result is a contemporary home that balances light, volume and landscape in perfect harmony.