Private Client

Budget

£250k

The existing ground floor of this traditional home in Sale was compartmentalised and disconnected from the garden, limiting natural light and the flow of daily family life. The brief called for a design that would open up the space, enhance the connection to the outdoors, and create a functional, flexible heart for the home.

The design reimagines the ground floor to prioritise openness, fluidity and connection. A stepped threshold gently negotiates the level change to the new extension, establishing a subtle distinction between the original and new spaces while easing movement throughout the home.

At the centre is an open-plan kitchen and dining area, now the social hub where family life unfolds across a generous, flexible layout. To the rear, floor-to-ceiling corner glazing dissolves the boundary between interior and garden, while sliding doors fully open to extend living outdoors, making the garden an informal part of the home during warmer months.

Daylight is carefully choreographed throughout: a large rooflight above the utility space brings natural light deep into the plan, while a crittal-style internal door with fluted glass distributes light to interior rooms. A built-in window seat within the glazed corner creates a quiet spot to pause and reconnect with the garden, while thoughtfully concealed elements, including a refuse store and canopy-covered steps, maintain functionality without interrupting the overall flow.

The Whalley Avenue extension transforms the ground floor into a bright, open, and flexible family space, seamlessly connecting the home to the garden. By combining clever spatial planning, natural light, and considered detailing, the project enhances everyday living while creating a warm and inviting hub for family life.