Challenge

The problem Mr and Mrs Regester faced is one that many people with a Victorian house recognise. The dining room in the centre of their home was hidden from natural light and blocked off from the kitchen. The effect was dark, disjointed and didn’t encourage people to gather round the table together.

Solution

Rear extension

Like many Victorian houses, this one was built with a two-storey section sticking out into the garden, technically known as an outrigger.

With a modest sized extension, using the dead space at the side of the kitchen, we were able to completely transform the rear of the house. What was once a cramped, unloved kitchen, became a visually stunning living area.

Using natural light as a building material

We came up with the idea of incorporating a large glazed roof area over the extension. This not only allowed tons of natural light to flood the room, but also created height and a modern, stylish feature above the dining table.

We also decided to bring down the wall blocking off the dining room to create a cosy, inviting space to relax and entertain guests instead.

More natural light was invited in through the new bi-fold doors spanning the width of the house. This gave Mr and Mrs Regester a much better view of their pretty garden, and meant the doors could be thrown completely open to create an even bigger space in the summer.