What is exceptional about this project is the daring and confident way in which we have extended and restored a grade II listed building. Its an exciting piece of contemporary architecture, created by peeling back the existing landscape to reveal the new facility beneath. The retention and enhancement of the listed garden plot, unique in its context within the city, was the inspiration behind the concept which facilitated the creation of the grassed roof top social/break out space for the offices above. At street level the prominence of the existing villa has been reinstated and redefined by the sensitive restoration of the faade. This creates a transitional garden space between the street and the facility with a landscaped buffer zone that frames the main entrance. We have utilised a natural palette of materials to ground the scheme within its context, however a large amount of solar controlled glazing to the extension gives transparency to the facility and creates a welcoming frontage for the organisation. The project is naturally ventilated throughout, employing passive methods and maximizes the use of natural daylight by introducing large roof lights in the rooftop garden area. These form a feature within the external space allowing users to view through into the facility below. The new building has provided the University with brand new facilities and accommodation of which they are immensely proud and one that truly reflects the character of the client.