The challenge was to retain the character and the layout of this existing structure but to extend the back of the house to create a large modern kitchen and family living space. The goal was to enlarge the house as per the client's requirements without rendering any of the rooms overly dark. By adding a two-storey extension linked to the existing house a secondary courtyard space was created which allowed light into all the existing rooms on the rear of the house. The new extension contains a WC and kitchen at upper ground level and a bedroom, utility and living room at lower ground level. The new bedroom and utility open into an internal courtyard, while the kitchen is connected to the family room below by a double height void with floor to ceiling glass connecting the kitchen and living room to the garden.