This wrap-around, single-storey rear extension to a mid-Victorian terraced home in Sale, South Manchester is currently under construction. The existing rear of the house was dark and inward-looking, with a kitchen that felt too small for a growing family and disconnected from both the garden and the rest of the home.

The new extension reimagines this part of the house as a light-filled, sociable open-plan kitchen and dining space, complemented by a more relaxed sitting area oriented towards the garden. At the heart of the plan, the kitchen island becomes a natural gathering point—designed for everyday family life as well as entertaining.

A series of subtle architectural moves help to define each zone within the open space. Exposed roof joists bring warmth and texture to the lounge area, while a sloping glazed rooflight draws natural light deep into the kitchen and circulation spaces. A large bi-folding window frames a view of the garden and opens fully to create a generous indoor–outdoor seating area, strengthening the connection between home and landscape.