Our clients approached HAL to help them create more space in their semi-detached home in Cambridge, with the aim of improving the layout and making the property better suited to family life.

The project involved demolishing an existing detached garage in the rear garden to make way for a new single-storey extension. The design responds carefully to both the site and neighbouring properties, with the depth of the extension varying across the width of the house. Behind the existing living room, the extension extends 4.3 metres to minimise any impact on daylight to the adjoining property. Behind the kitchen, however, we were able to extend the building to just over 10 metres, taking advantage of the former garage footprint and the orientation of the neighbouring house.

The additional space provides a generous and practical new layout. The deepest part of the extension accommodates a guest bedroom that faces the garden and has an en-suite bathroom, while a separate WC and utility room are positioned closer to the main house. Adjacent to the kitchen, the extension creates a bright new dining area with doors opening directly onto the garden, strengthening the connection between the home and outdoor space.

The roof design makes the most of the varying forms of the extension, incorporating vaulted ceilings and rooflights to bring natural light deep into the interior and create a sense of openness throughout.

By carefully maximising the available footprint, the extension has almost doubled the size of the original ground floor accommodation, transforming the property into a more spacious, flexible and comfortable family home.