A small extension for a small house, the design provides two studio rooms to the side of the existing living areas. With the aim of preserving garden spaces, the extension occupies underused space to the south of the existing house and is positioned hard against planning setbacks. The spaces are designed to capture sunlight throughout the day with windows positioned north-east and north-west, maximising exposure to the sun’s path through the sky. 

Planting areas are incorporated into the minimal floor plan to provide small moments of engagement with nature. A planter over the entry provides a small canopy of softness to the simple geometry of the front façade and forms a miniature atrium when viewed from the landing on the stair. A planter box to the back garden is combined with tensioned wires to form a grow screen around the studio windows. The climbing plants complete the articulation of the façade and further enhance the garden outlook beyond. 

Matthew Sherren & Kiernan May