Garden Connected Extension

This project transformed a detached family home into a generous, flexible space designed for everyday living, extended family gatherings, and long-term use. By opening up the ground floor and improving access to the garden, the home now supports entertaining, accessibility, and a calmer way of living.

The clients wanted to future-proof their home for family life at every stage. While their children had grown and moved on, the intention was to create a space that could comfortably welcome them back — along with grandchildren — for gatherings, celebrations, and extended visits.

The existing ground floor was made up of three enclosed rooms with an awkward layout and limited connection to a large garden. The brief was to create a single, generous entertaining space with direct and easy access to the garden, while also adapting part of the ground floor to accommodate an elderly relative when required. High-end finishes and a refined, luxurious feel were important throughout.

• The clients (and their dog) remained living in the home throughout the works
• Temporary cooking, cleaning, and relaxation facilities were required while the main kitchen was removed
• A full-width temporary partition was installed to separate the living space from construction for as long as possible
• Certain architectural features and external finishes were to be retained and respected
• External cladding and full-width sliding doors were key elements in achieving the desired appearance and garden connection
• Fortnightly site meetings were held between the client, designer, and contractor to review progress and plan upcoming stages

Two key technical challenges shaped the delivery of the project and required careful planning and coordination.

The first related to rainwater drainage at the rear of the property, which did not meet Building Control requirements once the extension works were underway. Managing runoff from both the existing house and the new extension required a compliant solution that avoided unnecessary disruption to the garden. By removing the existing stepped access, a soakaway was discreetly installed beneath this area, allowing regulatory requirements to be met while also improving garden access and creating a larger, more usable patio.

The second challenge involved the structural fabrication required to create the large open-plan space. The new framework and roof structure had to be carefully integrated with existing load-bearing elements and steelwork. Several primary beams were significant in size and weight, requiring complex crane operations to lift them over the house from the front drive and land them precisely into position using remote-controlled equipment.

Both challenges were addressed through early planning, clear sequencing, and close coordination on site, allowing the design intent to be delivered safely and accurately.

Works began with preparation and foundations for the extension, followed by the careful coordination of new masonry and structural steelwork, which tied directly into alterations at the rear of the existing house.

A major technical consideration was floor levels. The three existing rooms and the new extension all sat at different heights and were constructed using a mix of suspended timber floors, suspended concrete, and solid slabs from previous works. To achieve a consistent finish and support the underfloor heating system, unsuitable suspended floors and redundant concrete were removed. A new, level floor build-up was installed across the entire space, allowing insulation, heating pipework, and screed to flow continuously through the extension and existing rooms.

Internal works followed, including electrical alterations, lighting and safety systems, installation of the kitchen, utility and bathroom, and full internal finishes — bringing the project through to complete handover.

The clients were delighted with the finished result, having been kept fully informed and involved throughout the build.

Clear communication and shared decision-making ensured the project progressed with trust and alignment at every stage. The completed home now offers a generous, open environment that works equally well for everyday living, extended family visits, and larger gatherings — delivering exactly what the clients set out to achieve.

Detached house

Clanfield, Hampshire

Open-Plan Extension

80 m² open-plan living, underfloor heating, improved garden access