The kitchen was dark and disconnected from the living spaces and the conservatory was cold and under utilised

THE SOLUTION

‘Bringing natural light into the property presented a great challenge,’ says architect Christine Peever. ‘The south facing flank wall faces directly onto the street, so the option of adding windows was limited in order to prevent overlooking. The solution to bringing in more natural light was to install roof lights. The first large roof light was positioned in the side return extension following a similar footprint to the existing conservatory.

It’s shielded from direct sunlight, greatly increasing light levels while reducing any potential solar gain. A smaller extension was also added with a thin strip of frameless glass to the south elevation of the house. This arrangement gave us the opportunity to raise the ceiling height in these new extensions, enhancing the sense of space and light. Smaller windows to the south elevation provide natural light to the existing stairwell and hallway, and frame views of the new external landscaping.

The back of the house has glazing wrapped around which allows the internal spaces to fully open up onto the garden.’

“Carefully consider the orientation overheating" and size of rooflights in relation to the path of the sun to avoid CHRISTINE PEEVER, ARCHITECT, SHELDON PEEVER STUDIO

The roof light over the kitchen adds height to the space and floods the kitchen with ambient natural light

The light-coloured kitchen cabinets and flooring help to bounce light around the room