ORIGINAL AREA: 116 sq.m.
NEW ADDITIONS: 70 sq.m.

BER:
CONSTRUCTION DURATION: 12 months

A 75 sq. metre ground floor and basement addition was constructed to the rear of this typical 115 sq. metre 2-storey terraced house: the design challenge was to connect and integrate the below-ground rooms with the other living spaces of the dwelling and to make this subterranean space as light-filled and accessible as if it were above-ground. The central roof-light over the rear stairwell allows light to penetrate to the basement, and the clam-shell profile of the rear roof opens up to the afternoon sun. A polished concrete floor acts as a heat-sink to store all the solar energy.

On the 1^st floor, the roof valley has been removed and glazed over the full width of the building. High-level windows to internal partitions allow warm natural light to penetrate front and rear living spaces as sunlight moves from east to west, and the (internal) bathroom has a view of the stars.