Studio B.a.d where appointed in September 2019 to undertake a detailed feasibility study of Holly Cottage, a Listed house which sits in Meonstoke High street in the heart of the South Downs National Park. The project was completed in late 2023, delivering a contemporary extension which offers a reconfiguration of the ground floor to create a large, social kitchen and family room that connects with the garden, plus a stand alone annex. The initial feasibility study looked at how the existing house was used by the family and how it might accommodate, the extended family members and how it responds to the garden and immediate landscape. The feasibility study is a strategic exercise in reviewing the key requirement's of the family and the wider opportunities, to exploit the potential of the site and beautiful garden. Its also an opportunity to create greater flexibility within the the plan layout and its relationship to the garden and maximizing long views looking east down the mature garden, lined with the beautiful flint walls. The challenge was to look at a number of design ideas, working with the conservation officer in a detailed dialogue to establish a positive process. Working with the Heritage & Planning consultant experts, entered into a series of pre application discussions, working through a number of sketch proposals, reaching successful common ground with the South Downs National Park. The final design is contemporary, to work in contrast to the original property. The extension offer an opportunity to reconfigure the layout of the home and introduce a new, practical entrance way with plenty of space and storage for the young families needs. Large glazing has been introduced into the new extension, drawing lots of daylight deep within the home, in contrast to the original design of the home. The completed project has transformed the home, to offer a ground floor which the young family have space to gather in and enjoy together.