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The existing closed cellular plan, typical of the Victorian period, negated the presence of a garden. There was an overwhelming sense of darkness, tightness and enclosure. The project came about when client ran out of space for his 4600 compact discs and 3200 books. As there was little scope for increasing floor space without major excavation, the design largely operates within the existing envelope. The project dissolves the cellular plan on the lower level. The folding timber floor plane extends into the garden wrapping around a large lily pond, making explicit the new fluid living spaces. White sculpted walls contain the collections of books, cds, cooking equipment and food. The private living spaces are located upstairs. They are contained, reminiscent of the cellular plan. They have with framed views to the borrowed landscape of neighbouring gardens. The only additional floor space is a 5m2 study. The new stair is a vertical extension of the fluid public living spaces. It brings light to the centre of the plan and allows glimpses between the two main levels. The space of the stairwell is oversized for the scale of the house. This spatial generosity contradicts the expected smallness of the 92m2 house. Similarly, the section has been exaggerated in response to the tightness of the plan dimensions. The 4m high kitchen / dining space downstairs is contrasted with a 2.4m study upstairs.
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