Originally, this 1970s house in the leafy suburbs of Cardiff was intended as part of a development of three similar properties. Each house with a long/narrow plan form to fit within the constraints of the site. However, only two houses were built but the narrow plan form was retained. The result was a house pushed to one side of a generous plot with a long narrow garden running alongside. This elongated effect was compounded by the garage being located at the back of the plot with the driveway having to run almost the entire length of the garden. Initially, a concept design was developed in collaboration with our client. It was agreed that the original garage would be demolished. The new garage positioned just shy of the front of the house but set apart to distinguish the new entrance. This new layout also helped to create a much bigger garden to the rear with the shortened driveway freeing up additional green space.