The Fourth Terrace

The original property had a poorly planned kitchen and dining area, with a small bay window creating a funnel shaped opening onto the garden.

It was a conscious decision for anyone to enter the garden due to the change in level and awkward steps.

This was particularly problematic with three young children. The mum is a garden designer so it was very important that a strong connection with the garden was established.

The problem was resolved by removing the rear walls and creating a new garden room. The garden room forms the first of four floating concrete terraces, cascading down towards the larger end of the garden. In order to direct the view, the terraces are constructed as brutalist concrete channels, with the roof and rear doors finished in lightweight glazing and mirror. The terraces bridge the new kitchen layout and the garden, inviting the outside in and vice versa.

The design has provided a play space for the children where they can be easily monitored from the kitchen whether outside on the garden terraces, on the internal terrace or within the newly refurbished lighter, airier TV Room. They have been particularly enjoying the new frog who has moved into the infinity pond.

The rear elevation sits comfortably within the medley of the surrounding buildings: an irregular terrace of diverse angles, materials and add-ons, creating a warm, personal, characterful space appropriate to the artistic nature of the client, with integral connections to the garden.