Our ambition for this renovation was to create an enlarged family living space at the rear of the house that integrated fully with the garden. The concept was inspired by the way that the garden rises from the back of the house. Instead of a single slope, we redesigned the garden as a series of stepped, raised beds. The green roof of the new extension references these raised beds, acting as an elevated “window box”. We inserted a full-length roof light behind the green roof, the glass angled so the rain runs off and waters the roof. While the extension contains multiple functions, it reads as a single space. The island provides the focal point for the room. Mediating between different areas, it is integral to the function of each. Areas are demarcated by a physical element, such as the roof light, pendant lights over the dining table or a variation in ceiling height. Deliberately choosing furniture that is easy to move maximises flexible use of the space. We opted to place the informal seating overlooking the garden to promote relaxation and make the most of the natural light. The fully glazed rear elevation slides open to create an “outside room” feel and connect with the patio seating. Because the rear of the property faces north, it is guaranteed even light regardless of the weather. We also incorporated a glass corner to capture morning light. The full-length roof light ensures adequate natural light reaches the dining area. We deliberately introduced calming elements into our design to combat the inevitable bustle and clutter of family life. Using a neutral palette of colours and extending the oak parquet flooring throughout the ground floor established a coherent, pacifying feel. Oak is picked up in internal features to unify the design. The front room is a more formal, enclosed space with a wall-mounted gas fire and a low unit faced in oak. A key part of the brief was to design a modern master bath with a great shower. We upgraded the plumbing, removing pumps and installing a direct mains supply. The design was unified by framing the window, mirror, radiator niche and storage cupboards, the edges chamfered to soften the natural light.