Our clients own a large Victorian villa in Alton, occupying a long plot with views over the South Downs. Their brief was to split the plot into two and build a new house for themselves at the top of the plot. To maximise space and views, while minimising impact on the street and neighbours, we have designed a split-level house that breaks up the overall volume. Living spaces sit on the entrance level and bedrooms are positioned in the more private lower level. The combination of black stained timber cladding and corrugated metal roofing echoes the industrial palette of the garage which currently occupies the site. Crittall glazing opens up the rear to the countryside views, while high-level glazing brings plenty of natural light into the upper level.