This apparently straight forward garden extension to a 30s semi-detached house hides a secret.

 

The new, full width kitchen/dining space is set some 2.5m away from the back of the original house.

An enclosed courtyard is formed between new and existing meaning:

• the bulk of the extension could be built with minimal disturbance to family life

• the original dining room remains a serviceable room (it's a playroom/music room/guest room) not a 'through' room.

• there are visual links and natural light to all spaces while still benefiting from actual distance (well how loud can kids be?)

• A beautiful, peaceful space has been created, lovely to look at and a little piece of calm