Smith House, Surrey

The clients brief for this extension was to create a new living/dining space at ground level, that would allow an improved interaction with their garden.

With the site on an incline and backing onto natural woodland, the concept was to create a slightly projecting box at a raised ground level, which in turn allowed for the creation of a partial lower floor carved into the topography.

The metal clad box form incorporates the desired accommodation, a recessed covered balcony accessed through full height sliding doors, and covered steps connecting the two levels. The living space is brightly lit by way of the doors, and further flooded with light by the large linear rooflights.

To the lower floor, the footprint is sub-divided to create a childrens playroom and a home office, both have sliding doors opening onto a secluded terrace, and the naturally well screened garden. The open section of the lower floor is finished in an orange brick, and naturally stained vertical cedar cladding. The brick complimenting the original house – the cladding referencing the beautiful woodland and nature around.