The family has a fond history inherent in the fabric of the original house which presented a challenge to improve on the compartmentalised, often restricted spaces and limited light, at the same time being respectful to the memories.  

 

The original layout gave no direct link between the atmospheric, nicely proportioned rear lounge which was directly connected to the westerly garden and the central hub dining / social / work table.  This was cut off from a direct link to the garden by the later addition of a lean-to kitchen infilling the dogleg on plan.  This combination conspired against easy function, flow of space and open views.

 

The new scheme retains the same footprint as the original but removes obstacles to the many and varied activities of everyday life.  It focusses on a continuous flow of space that incorporates the whole ground floor and out into the garden with its terrace.  This involved demolishing a major exterior flank wall and the add-on kitchen for continuity in approach to everyday living.  It opens up a generous, linked and zoned space for cooking, dining / social / working and tv snug;  there is good light and an uninterrupted flow to the circulation throughout the ground floor. The updated front room which has historically been more dedicated to music has been retained, with double door giving access to the snug.  There is now potentially a clear view from the garden through kitchen, snug and music room to the street, and for opening up of most of the ground floor into one space for larger gatherings.

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The steel frame structure is left visible for legibility in the alterations to the original rather than encased and hidden behind plasterboard.  The steels delineate the location of the original room.