The three pitched roofs of this bungalow extension in Manchester were designed by Blee Halligan Architects to capture sunlight at different times of the day and frame views of trees in the garden (+ slideshow).
London studio Blee Halligan Architects arranged the extension's three double-height windows to face east, west and south so that interior spaces receive light at times that are appropriate to their functions.
The kitchen faces east to welcome the morning light and create a bright space for eating breakfast, while the west-facing living room receives sunlight in the evening.
Each of the windows looks out onto the garden and the steeply pitched roofs direct views towards the canopies of the trees bounding the site.
"The brief was to turn a very common low-ceilinged bungalow into a bright, voluminous house," architect Greg Blee told Dezeen.
"This was the reason we developed the tall pitched-roof composition, which frames views rather than providing expansive views."
The external walls of the building are clad in dark-stained larch panelling that helps it blend in with the surrounding garden.
"We liked the idea that the extension would be recessive against the house and garden, which is a verdant green with mature trees and planting that accentuates its colour," explained Blee. "The building does not fight with this garden setting."
Sliding doors connect a central dining room with a patio that can be used for al fresco dining. The kitchen also leads to a terrace, which is set to be extended to link the house with a proposed garden room.
White-painted timber boards line the interior of the extension to give the space a soft domestic feel that contrasts with the dark external surfaces.
A short set of stairs connects the dining room to the existing house, which contains a reception area, study and the bedrooms and bathrooms.
A new timber porch outside the front entrance incorporates benches sheltered beneath a translucent plastic roof. The slatted aesthetic of this structure is complemented by a chunky wooden fence in front.
Photography is by Mike Black.
Here's a short description from Blee Halligan Architects:
A dilapidated bungalow is the site for a new rear addition
Three interconnected, pitched volumes, face in three directions - east, west and south, capturing sunlight at different times of the day, appropriate to function - the kitchen faces east for a light-bathed breakfast and the living room faces west to catch the last of the sunlight. They each pitch up to a large double-height window, capturing views of the garden and trees.
The building is clad in black stained larch, so it appears recessive in the context of the garden and possesses an abstract geometric quality at night.
