This home in Wimbledon strikes a balance between old and new, retaining the existing well-proportioned Victorian reception rooms while creating new open-plan, flexible living and dining space. A carefully considered approach resulted in a new layout for modern living, creating a long-term family home. Maximising natural light into the new rooms and improving the connection to the garden was key. A lightweight glazed side extension creates a large, airy, light-filled space for cooking, dining, and enjoying the garden. Dropping the floor in the new space mediates the levels between the existing house and the garden, allowing better access. This playful series of level changes internally, integrates the new with the old and creating a dramatic double-height dining space. The property is situated in a conservation area, in the London Borough of Merton and careful consideration was given to the appearance of the extension. Exposed London stock brickwork was used to highlight the new double-height space and contrast with the lightweight glazed roof. Steel-framed glazing was chosen to create a more modern feel in the new open-plan space.