EXTENSION
Christina and Richard Isaacs’ award-winning extension beautifully bridges the connection between their secluded family home and the lush green lawns that surround it
HOMEOWNERS Christina and Richard Isaacs (@Greenlawns28)
LOCATION Christchurch, Dorset
HOUSE Detached 1930s house with contemporary extension
SIZE Approx 175m2
BUILD ROUTE Main contractor with an element of self-project management
CONSTRUCTION Brick and block extension
BUILD TIME 18 months
LAND/HOUSE COST £650,000
BUILD COST £350,000
VALUE £1.4m
Sometimes, a kitchen seals the deal in a house sale; other times, it’s the location. For Christina and Richard Isaacs, it was all about the garden. In 2015, the couple acquired their home on the Dorset-Hampshire border, captivated by its secluded setting and the lush green lawn that encircled the property. “It was like stepping into a sanctuary,” recalls Christina. “And with Richard’s passion for gardening, the mature trees and shrubs were an instant hit.”
But despite the garden’s charm, the house itself – with its outdated 1930s decor and restricted views – required a thorough modernisation. “The kitchen was gloomy, and the tiny windows hardly did the garden justice,” explains Richard. “We realised right away that we would need to extend.”
DESIGNING AN ANGULAR EXTENSION
After aseries of uninspiring meetings with lacklustre architects, the couple finally found aray of hope in Natalie Skeete, Director of Forest Architecture. Having recently established her own architectural practice, Natalie was well-positioned to take on their residential project and she was immediately on board with the couple’s vision for their home.
Their key objectives were to create a family space that could be divided into different zones and to establish a clear sense of transparency between the original part of the house and the extension. The couple also wanted to ensure a seamless transition between their home and the garden that they loved – as if the house was immersed in the garden.
Natalie was quick to point out that even if the original windows were replaced, the house’s orientation meant that much of the garden would remain hidden from view. As the property was positioned adjacent to an angled boundary hedge, a conventional linear extension wouldn’t suffice. So, she drafted plans that would maximise green views, exploring creative options to build an extension with dynamic angles and abundant natural light. The result is a cantilevered design that efficiently shields the property from the summer sun with exposed brickwork and beams. The extension follows a brokenplan living ap
