The Brief
A young professional couple in Southampton had recently purchased a 1970s detached property with good bones but uninspiring architecture. They wanted to transform the ground floor into a contemporary open-plan living space that reflected their minimalist taste — somewhere that felt more like a design magazine than a suburban semi. The brief emphasised clean lines, maximum natural light and high-quality materials.
Our Design Approach
We designed a 40m² single-storey extension with a dramatic flat roof that extends beyond the building line to create a covered outdoor terrace. The rear elevation features floor-to-ceiling glazing — a combination of fixed panels and a minimal-frame sliding door system with sightlines of just 20mm, maximising the glass area and the connection to the garden.
Internally, we removed the wall between the original living room and dining room, creating one continuous space that flows from the front of the house through to the new extension and garden beyond. The kitchen occupies a sleek handleless run along one wall, with a cantilevered concrete-effect island providing preparation space and casual seating.
Planning and Approvals
The extension qualified under Permitted Development rights. We obtained a Lawful Development Certificate from Southampton City Council and secured Building Regulations approval covering the structural steel frame, flat roof construction, thermal performance of the extensive glazing, and drainage design for the flat roof.
Key Design Features
- Minimal-frame glazing: Ultra-slim 20mm sightlines maximising the glass area and views
- Extended roof overhang: Creates a covered terrace and provides solar shading in summer
- Concrete-effect island: Cantilevered island with waterfall ends creating a sculptural centrepiece
- Handleless kitchen: Push-to-open cabinetry in matt grey for a seamless, clutter-free aesthetic
- Polished concrete floor: Continuous flooring from inside to outside, blurring the boundary
The Result
This Southampton extension demonstrates how thoughtful contemporary design can completely transform an unremarkable 1970s property. The open-plan space feels twice its actual size thanks to the extensive glazing and uninterrupted floor plane. Our clients describe it as their favourite room in the world — high praise for what was previously a dark, compartmentalised ground floor.
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