Side and rear extensions and loft conversion, West Oxford

This renovation and extension project makes the most of a site with incredible views.

The ground floor was enlarged to the rear and side to provide a wonderfully social family kitchen and living space with a picture window onto the park, as well as a utility room and plenty of storage space for muddy boots and family paraphernalia.  At first floor the side extension provides a cosy single bedroom and family bathroom. The master bedroom at second floor has a floor to ceiling gable window to enjoy a wonderful view across the fields and river.  The tree outside creates beautiful light and shadows in this room: bare branches cast a strong pattern of shadows in winter sun, then light filters through the leaves in summer.

We chose a buff brick to contrast with the existing house so its original proportions were not unbalanced by the side extension. We composed the gable end elevation to make a bold statement with large-scale frameless effect aluminum glazing.