The new brickwork (reminiscent of an academic building) contrast against the beautiful dark timber cladding, creating a sense of light and shade and allowing a rather large addition to sit comfortably floating on its base. The breeze brick façade pattern allows for dappled morning and afternoon sun to filter through into the living room whilst also acting as a privacy screen. With obvious views available the windows were carefully crafted to avoid overlooking the neighbours.

Soft touches to the existing building included a new front porch and new timber slat fence. This allowed for some cohesion between the new works and the refurbishment of the old building whilst important period details were maintained internally and externally.

A calm and simple interior was part of the brief and one that would allow the occupants and the busy urban environment to take centre stage. The driving force is the blonde Scandinavian timber flooring which inevitably becomes the hero when wrapping itself into the joinery, stairs and walls. Contrasting this is the black box inserted into the middle of the open plan first floor that creates a pod to conceal services and offer a light filled stairway to the roof top terrace. This black and blonde theme is evident throughout both interior and exterior, notably the bricks vs timber relationship.