The restoration and extension project of the disused servants quarters of an impressive Manor House in the historic town of Winchester in England, in order to transform it into a contemporary family home, was undertaken by the practice of AR Design Studio. While excavating the dingy basement area of the quarters, a number of bones and artifacts were discovered which dated back to the Roman invasion of the region, of course the land had to be cleared and approval given by the archeological society before building could go ahead.

The entrance to the home is through the traditional street facade which belies the incredible sculptural beauty of the glass extension. A stairwell void leads from the basement area, now housing utility rooms and a guest suite, through to the ground floor and into a bright open plan living/dining room and kitchen, all of which lead to the garden via frameless transparencies. The indoor/outdoor spaces are enhanced with the choice of floor covering, faded timber ceramic tiling, a long lasting material, perfectly suitable for all spaces as it does not deteriorate through exposure to sunlight.

A spectacular floating staircase of thick glass leads to the upper level and four double en-suite bedrooms, an especially impressive Master bedroom which looks out onto the glass ceiling of the extension, even boasts a walk in wardrobe! An outstanding design project by a practice who are no strangers to the concept of glass as a building material, and a project which respects the heritage of the site through a perfectly executed innovative design.