Brief The project transformed a small, dated dormer bungalow on a generous plot into a spacious, contemporary family home. Designed as a self-build, it also included a new garage with accommodation above.

Gaining planning permission was challenging, as the proposal more than doubled the property’s size. The main extension was positioned to the side, where a neighbouring ‘set-back’ home previously overlooked and dominated the garden—adding space while improving privacy. With supporting overshadowing diagrams, sustainability statements, and careful design adjustments, approval was secured in 2019. The brief also required a fully accessible ground-floor master suite and sustainable features to future-proof the home.

Outcome The completed house centres around an open-plan kitchen, dining, and sitting area, with a dramatic double-height master bedroom filled with light. Expansive glazing connects every room to the landscaped garden, creating a strong indoor-outdoor flow.

Constructed with a highly insulated timber frame and engineered steelwork, the home delivers excellent energy efficiency. Natural larch cladding, composite timber-aluminium windows, an air-source heat pump with underfloor heating, and a recyclable standing seam steel roof complete this stiking contemporary design, which blends seamlessly with its Mediterranean inspired garden.