This semi-detached, conventional home is located opposite school grounds, not far from the banks of the River Thames and unlike most of London, enjoys an extensive rear garden.

The design of the ground and lower floors were based on a number of priorities: views, orientation, natural sunlight and functional program.

A series of levels were cut into the garden, rising to the rear, providing access, sunlight and tiers for barbecues.

The ground floor plate is dragged back from the extensive rear glazing offering a void, connecting these 2 horizontal zones, thus enabling sunlight to penetrate farther into the lower level than would otherwise be impossible. The ground floor extension reduces in depth and steps backwards along the adjoining neighbour's wall, inviting evening sunlight into the ground floor, whilst the basement zone beneath extends farther into the garden.

Additional daylight is filtered into the heart of the house via a series of strategically placed skylights.