Tucked away in a cul-de-sac in a Cambridgeshire village is a sleek side duplex annexe to a detached 1970s house. Built partially over an existing garage, and set within a modest size rear garden, the annexe seamlessly blends into its two-storey host, calmly and elegantly. External finishes are unified, with wall and roof clad in intriguing charcoal coloured diamond shaped tiles.

The double-height space features a glass, steel and timber staircase leading to a light and airy mezzanine. The cantilevered balcony is large enough to fit a comfortable chair, read a book and enjoy views out of the changing sky and garden canopy. Daylight floods the interior of the double height space through a large north facing glazed façade, making the most of the views out while minimizing solar gain.

We inserted two generous openable skylights in the roof which maintain a feel of the passing day and the changing light, while tracking the path of the sun. The skylights ensure essential cross ventilation at mezzanine level, bringing in fresh air and purging any stratified heat at height during the warmer months.

(Professional photos awaited)

Photos © P Bucktrout (above) / © raydan watkins architects (below)