Extensions

Portslade

Contemporary Open-Plan Extension in Portslade, East Sussex

This project involved designing a spacious rear extension to create a bright, open-plan kitchen, dining and family space that feels modern, practical and full of natural light. The aim was to transform the rear of the home into a more sociable and better connected environment, with large glazed openings, rooflights and a carefully planned layout that enhances everyday living and strengthens the relationship with the garden.

01. The Brief

This project was designed to reimagine the rear of the home and create a more generous living environment centred around a contemporary kitchen, dining and family space. The existing arrangement no longer offered the openness or flexibility the clients were looking for, and the goal was to deliver a layout that would better support modern family life.

A key part of the brief was to introduce a bright and functional open-plan extension with strong visual links to the garden. The clients wanted a space that could bring cooking, dining and relaxing together in one cohesive setting, while still feeling calm, comfortable and easy to use on a day-to-day basis. Clean lines, plenty of natural light and a welcoming atmosphere were all central to the design.

02. Challenges & Considerations

One of the main considerations for this project was creating a large open-plan space that still felt balanced and well defined. The extension needed to feel spacious and light, while also providing clear zones for different activities and maintaining a warm, lived-in character.To achieve this, the design introduced expansive sliding doors across the rear elevation, opening the space out to the patio and garden beyond. A large rooflight was positioned above the main living area to draw daylight deep into the plan and give the extension a bright, uplifting feel throughout the day. Together, these features help maximise natural light and create a stronger connection between inside and outside.

Internally, the layout was organised around a central kitchen island, which acts as both a practical workspace and a natural focal point within the room. The dining area and family seating space were arranged to flow easily from the kitchen, allowing the extension to function as one sociable and flexible environment. Material choices and detailing were kept simple and contemporary, with contrasting textures adding warmth and character to the finished space.

03. The Outcome

The completed extension has transformed the way this home is used and enjoyed. What was once a more limited rear layout is now a bright, spacious and highly functional living space designed around the needs of modern family life.The new kitchen sits confidently at the heart of the extension, with ample room for cooking, gathering and day-to-day living. The dining and seating areas feel naturally connected, while the large sliding doors and rooflight fill the space with natural light and create an easy transition out to the garden.

The result is a contemporary rear extension that adds far more than additional floor area. It enhances the overall flow of the home, improves the quality of the living space and creates a calm, open and welcoming environment tailored to the way the clients live.