We’ve refurbished and extended this detached house in a quiet corner of the Vale of Glamorgan (between Cardiff and Cowbridge). The existing building is extensive and complex with the original cottage having already been extended significantly; however, the current layout did not work for the new owners. A bold architectural insertion has given the clients what they wanted. This was achieved by infilling an existing courtyard with a double height glazed space that includes a mezzanine level. The double height space extends the kitchen to include a family/play area; works as a link between the rooms around it; draws in plenty of daylight into the space and vastly improved the relationship of the house and garden. The first floor mezzanine level was essential as part of the design strategy to make sense of the circulation space upstairs; it allows for access to the north wing of the house without having to go through other rooms. The mezzanine also adds interest and a playful element where the upstairs and downstairs are linked so that family members can interact on both levels