Surrey Double Storey Extension
Striking double storey extension featuring contemporary black timber cladding with large glazed openings. A dramatic transformation creating additional living space on both floors.
The Brief
Our Surrey clients wanted to make a statement. Their 1960s detached property had been extended before — a single-storey conservatory that was too hot in summer and too cold in winter — and they were ready for something altogether more ambitious. The brief called for a two-storey extension that would double as an architectural feature: contemporary, bold and unashamedly modern against the original brick house.
Our Design Approach
We designed a 50m² two-storey extension — 25m² per floor — with a deliberately contrasting material palette. Where the original house is red brick, the extension is clad in black-stained larch timber boarding, creating a dramatic visual distinction between old and new. This contrast approach is increasingly favoured by planning authorities as it avoids the awkward neither-old-nor-new appearance of poorly matched extensions.
The ground floor features double-height glazing in a corner configuration, wrapping around from the rear to the side elevation and flooding the open-plan living space with light. Upstairs, the new master bedroom has a full-width Juliet balcony with views over the garden, accessed through floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
Planning and Approvals
The bold design required a compelling planning application. We prepared detailed drawings, photomontages showing the extension in context, and a thorough design statement referencing contemporary architectural precedents. The planning officer appreciated the honest approach to material contrast and approved the application in 8 weeks with enthusiastic commentary about the design quality.
Key Design Features
- Black larch cladding: Charred-effect larch timber creating a striking contemporary exterior
- Double-height glazing: Corner glazing configuration flooding the living space with light
- Juliet balcony: Full-width glass balustrade and floor-to-ceiling doors in the master bedroom
- Garden terrace: Raised hardwood deck extending the ground floor living space outdoors
- Material contrast: Deliberate old-versus-new approach celebrating both the original house and the addition
The Result
This Surrey extension proves that bold design decisions, properly executed, create the most exciting results. The black timber cladding has weathered beautifully in its first year, developing the silver-grey patina that makes natural timber so appealing over time. The double-height glazing creates an interior that feels more like a contemporary gallery than a suburban living room. Several neighbours have since enquired about similar projects — the highest form of flattery.
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