The charm of this mid-century detached house is retained but the dwelling is significantly reconfigured and extended to become a beautiful modern family home. The new kitchen and dining areas are sunk slightly below ground, allowing for a new mezzanine level to be included within the planning height restrictions. This introduces elevated views to the surrounding area from an extended living space and guest area. A sensitive approach is taken to differentiate between the existing and the new elements and this is expressed through the materiality of the building. The retained area of the house, which is currently in disrepair, is re-clad in timber shingles to match the original. The new rear part of the house is clad with vertical timber boards which harmonise with the timber shingles but which clearly define the contemporary insertion. Carefully configured vertical slot windows provide a visual separation between the two variations of timber cladding. Sustainable strategies for heating, ventilation and water management are adopted as well as a substantial upgrade to the building fabric to reduce energy consumption. This self-build project is currently on site.