‘It maximises our connection to the garden’

Inspired by their love of the outdoors, Brian and Donna Malone have built a striking two-storey extension that’s designed to create a seamless link between inside and out

A two-storey extension brought indoors and outdoors together

Having lived in their characterful Victorian home since 2004, the couple wanted to make changes that would enhance their connection with the garden. ‘I’m a keen gardener and we both love the outdoors,’ says Donna. ‘Our main goal was to transform the house in a way that allowed us to bring the outside in.’

DESIGN AIMS The couple wanted to flip the interior layout so that the main living space was at the back of the house, rather than the front. Architect Daniel Masterman (adamknibbarchitects.com) came up with a design that was in tune with the couple’s vision – a doublestorey extension with an open-plan kitchen-living-dining area on the ground floor and a snug above.

END RESULT ‘We wanted to push the boundaries when it came to the materials we used. We have always loved Corten steel. It looks a bit brutal at first, but as it mellows, the colour starts to melt into the background.’ The scheme also features lots of glass to boost the link with the outdoors. ‘It’s fresh and spacious

– it feels like you’re not enclosed at all. We rarely use the front room now. Instead, we live in this space at the back of the house,’ says Donna.

WHAT WE’VE LEARNED

“It’s important to portray your wishes from the outset of the project. If you’re unclear at the start, you’ll only end up having to make changes further down the line”

AFTER THE NEW DOUBLE-STOREY EXTENSION FEATURES BROAD SWATHES OF GLASS ON THE UPPER AND LOWER LEVELS TO CONNECT THE PROPERTY WITH THE OUTSIDE SPACE

BEFORE THE TERRACED HOUSE PREVIOUSLY FEATURED A SIDE-RETURN EXTENSION CONTAINING A LAUNDRY, WHICH CUT THE KITCHEN OFF FROM THE GARDEN

THE ROOF LIGHT AND UP-AND-OVER GLAZING SITS JUST ABOVE THE KITCHEN, FILLING THE SPACE WITH VIEWS OF THE SKY

THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE LEADING TO THE SNUG IS ONE OF DONNA AND BRIAN’S FAVOURITE DESIGN FEATURES

THE SEDUM FLAT ROOF ABOVE THE KITCHEN PROVIDES A LIVELY HABITAT FOR INSECTS AND BIRDS