Sandgate Hill

The majority of the alterations are internal, however, an existing (redundant) lean-to has been demolished to allow for a new larger single-storey extension and small external courtyards.

Site conditions dictated that this new-build component needed to be structurally independent of the neighbouring building and, following discussion with the clients, it was agreed that the new-build element should act as a minimal yet engaging contrast to the existing house.

The proposed extension measures 4.5m x 1.6m (average) in plan and rises in height to 2.9m.

The old extension blocked light and ventilation to the rear ground-floor reception room, and in considering its replacement, the decision was taken to separate this from the rear wall of the dining room to create an external courtyard. This allows natural light and ventilation to reach the dining room.

The new extension consists of a glass roof and doors, the former supported on a timber beam structure with expressed steel junctions. The timber structure continues down to form an independent supporting wall at the boundary. The configuration of these components celebrate the high level of craftmanship and technical precision required.

A new ground-floor utility space and WC is also provided as part of the reconfiguration and, to the rear garden, a larger lower terrace gives improved access to outside space from the kitchen.

Overall the proposal is best described as modest and understated with a moment of unexpected delight. The latter provided by the resolution of the complex form and structural requirements of a small constrained space through the intricately engineered timber and glass addition.