The desirable and well built terraced houses on Shandon Crescent have a common challenge when remodelling or extending – the re-ordering and re-organisation of the 1940s accommodation to suit modern living. The brief included for the opening up of the rear of the house to create a more light filled, naturally flowing plan. In contrast to this open plan arrangement the client had a requirement for a discrete dining/working area within the kitchen with its own space and intimacy. Our challenge was through consideration in surface and detail give meaning and delight to the maligned ‘box’ extension that also fulfils the programmatic and spatial requirements. The dining table is given its own space and material within the stripped back modern aesthetic of the extension. The lowered ceiling height increases the intimacy of the space. The walls are lined with birch ply to re-enforce the familial feel around the table.