The lower ground level of the split-level Victorian house, previously dark and with a poor relationship with the garden, has been lowered and extended to the rear, while the upper floors have been reconfigured to maximise living space. Extending and excavating the previously cramped basement space has created exceptionally tall ceiling heights. The area, accessed from above via a floating timber staircase, was also reoriented to offer a new sense of visual and physical connectivity with nature. On the upper ground floor, tall glazed doors open onto a terrace, further promoting a sense of connectivity with the outdoors.