A large recreation space for the family, as much a part of the home as possible, was briefed. The house (rebuilt behind a retained element of existing facade completed by Nick Shipp Architects in 1997) has access through existing cellar space to a new earth-bermed family room for cinema/tv, snooker, table tennis, chill zone and parties. Our key challenge was to re-orientate the centre of gravity for family life in a useful space that would remain well connected to the activities of the main house. Opportunities for quality sunlight into a very deep plan space gave rise to the design of a 7m long cantilevered structure-free corner with six panels of sliding glass screens, let into wall pockets. Environmental considerations were met with an exceptionally high insulation value, a high level of mechanical ventilation and a fully automated and optimised dnx light, sound and environmental control system.