We all know that properties are judged on location, location and location. However, as all estate agents were saying a decade ago, the next imperatives are good kitchens and bathrooms. Today nearly all our clients seek two further ingredients: light and space, - ie. a large open-plan living space and plenty of glazing (preferably opening onto a garden). On an existing property there are only two ways of providing these; by removing internal walls and/or constructing an extension. At Chadwicks we opted for the latter and this will provide the opportunity for some of the existing accommodation to be re-organised. The new room, at just over 5.5 x 8 metres, will be the biggest in the house, so to ensure that it has good proportions, the ceiling is to be constructed at a higher level than those elsewhere. Chadwicks is approximately 80 years old, so instead of imitating or perpetuating its style, the extension has been designed as a contemporary counterpoint. As architects, we do not subscribe to pastiche. Our approach is for buildings to be honest to the time in which they are designed and built. Indeed we consider that one of the best methods of flattering an old building is to juxtapose it with something which is refined, spot up-to-date and beautifully detailed with high quality materials.