Two Boxes

The extension of this family home in Esher went through numerous permutations until the simple two box form was delivered. The extensions became utilitarian rustic timber clad cabins, transforming and concealing a small bungalow behind. The wider and shallower of the two boxes houses a kitchen, dining and living space, with long bifold doors opening out to the garden. The space is sunken down from the main level of the bungalow, to allow a level threshold with the garden and wide, occupiable concrete and timber steps leading down to the space. This is where our clients spend most of their time, whilst a smaller snug living space is slotted into the old living room behind, with an exposed vaulted ceiling with exposed structural ties and new rooflights. The materiality of the project meets the clients brief for a cabin-like aesthetic, with black stained timber cladding and natural timber doors and windows sitting as a modest contemporary insertion in the rustic garden setting. The narrower and longer box is the side extension, housing a new master bedroom suite, with a recessed terrace space tucked in alongside the rear extension. This includes the bedroom, dressing room, and an en-suite located where the old kitchen used to sit in the main bungalow. It also comprises a new side entrance and hallway space.