What do you do when your clients want to extend their single-fronted Thornbury cottage and create functional, light-filled living spaces but don’t want to lose significant outdoor space or build a second storey?

Our answer was to stretch the floorplan from one end of the property to the other, traversing it from side to side in a loose zigzag pattern. Fundamental to the design is an internal courtyard which, as well as introducing light to the interior spaces, has built-in seating to accommodate outdoor activities.

The courtyard is joined by a rear garden which flows from the dining area and addresses our clients’ desire for oasis type spaces to complement the bespoke and surprising interiors.

Considered details such as a stunning custom skylight in the kitchen, centerpiece island bench with a fluid swathe of marble, inventive use of reeded glass, vibrant terrazzo, bold tiling, customised bar nook and European oak parquetry laid in a zigzag pattern, all combine to create an alluring and graceful family home.