We thoroughly enjoyed working with a client who had design aspirations for the project from the outset that were highly compatible with our own. We created a rear extension with sunken patio that transformed the ground floor of the 4-storey Victorian townhouse, together with a garden work space that provided an office and hair salon. Conceptually we wanted to contrast the new architectural elements with the existing house and create a connection between the garden work space and the extension. We did this by choosing a contemporary blue brick for the walls with sedum green roofs. The blue brick is also taken onto the patio area and along the edges of the garden to link the two blocks. We used standing seam, untreated copper for the lower part of the extension that complimented the blue brick and added a touch of warmth and 'reflectivity' to the palette. The box-like forms used were clean and simple, as was the detailing throughout the exterior and interior. The garden office/salon was clad internally in plywood to the walls and ceiling. This uniformity is off-set with the skylight in the centre of the ceiling and a large format blue/grey vinyl floor tile. Each design and construction decision was careful considered by all those involved, so that it could be properly coordinated. The client is delighted with the finished result in terms of design, quality of finish and value for money.