Michaelmas House

It was clear from the first visit that the interior had a limited visual or physical connection to the rear amenity. The extension was designed to be as visually lightweight as possible, with the profiled aluminium fascia at only 120mm (which covers a roof membrane, structure, and glazing track) and bi-parting sliding doors with a maximum frame width of 25mm. The junction between new and old has been expressed in a very sensitive fashion, with glazing running straight into the face brickwork, with no visible framework. Similarly, the flat roof has no visible flashing, making the box appear as though it is gently resting against the house. The addition has created a highly insulated and efficient structure, which has three large openings for passive cross-flow ventilation. At the design stage, we modelled the site, including a cluster of mature trees, which in the summer months provides shading to the structure, when ordinarily solar gain could be a problem. Client comments: "For many years we had wanted to find a way of adding more light and space to the rear of our otherwise-perfect period cottage. Commissioning Sean and the team at DMW to realise this dream has worked brilliantly for us. From the outset, they understood our needs and worked patiently with us to create a beautiful design that met them in full. The close collaboration between DMW, the contractor, and us meant that we felt fully in control at all stages of the project. Our home has been transformed in the most remarkable way and we could not be happier with the outcome."