A charred timber extension and internal alterations to create a series of light-filled spaces in a detached Buckinghamshire family home.

Our clients came to us with an exciting brief – to create big, relaxed entertaining spaces – centered around the kitchen, that had wow-factor without being ostentatious. It was also important to them to improve the energy efficiency of the house and also add plenty of built in storage.

A key move was to remove an unsympathetic conservatory to the north side of the rear elevation, in place of which, a ten-metre long extension was set perpendicular to the main house. The kitchen is set at the junction between the original house and the extension, connecting with a family work area on one side and the dining area on the other.

Along from kitchen and dining, we used the natural change in level across the site to create a dramatic double-height living space with a wood burning stove and a library mezzanine. Other rooms include a generous entrance hall, day room, TV snug, cloakroom, WC, pantry, and a utility off from the garage. All of the key living spaces connect directly with the rear garden.

The extension is built with a timber frame and highly insulated. External material choices are tactile yet natural, including charred timber cladding, composite glazing, and a clay tiled roof with black zinc detailing. The windows and doors to the main house have been replaced with black-framed glazing, strengthening the relationship between old and new and enhancing the appearance of the house.

Location: Chesham Bois, Buckinghamshire

Constraints: adjacent to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Photographs by French+Tye