This residential rebirth project was inspired by the client’s desire to create a modernist home, but challenged with the restrictions of a traditional Dulwich Estate that restricts extensions significantly on properties within their Scheme of Management. The family wanted to refurbish and extend their home. The most important requirement for this project was to design a modern home where the family can comfortably live and work for the next 15 years. This is a compact but special home built by Wates Construction that was contractor for most of Austin Vernon & Partners 1960s homes. In our refurbishment we wanted to pay tribute to 60s detailing with a subtle and creative twist of modernity. This project completely renovated the ground floor of the house by extending into its garage and reconfiguring all the rooms. A new bedroom and bathroom were added to double up as home office and guest room. 1960s houses were designed to be compact and functional! When we started this renovation, we had to be equally resourceful with space. So, there are a lot of hidden activities. We extended the house into the garage and replaced the roof with exposed joists and a long skylight. The entire social area has been opened up, except for a family break-out room which can be closed off from the main space with a walnut sliding door. This way the family can be together but also have some privacy.