A Modern Extension Expands a Mid-Century House in Winchester

  October 28, 2024
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AR Design Studio has brought new life to a mid-century home in Winchester, United Kingdom, creating a seamless blend of the original 1970s design with a fresh contemporary extension. Known as The Seventies House, this project involved both restoring the house and garden, which had fallen into neglect, and adding a 1,012-square-foot addition designed to celebrate the lush landscape that surrounds the property.

Originally, the home’s garden was a defining feature, developed by the previous owner, a local horticulturalist, and brimming with mature trees and dense shrubs. However, years of neglect had left it overgrown. AR Design Studio was tasked with rejuvenating the garden, trimming back the foliage and reintroducing new plantings, while relocating elements like the home’s original 70s rockery, or rock garden, to make room for the new extension.

Modern glass-walled house with a garden in front, set against a brick building and a clear blue sky.

Modern house with large glass windows, wood accents, and a car parked beside it. Surrounded by grass and trees under a clear blue sky.

Modern extension on a traditional house with large glass windows, surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky.

Modern house extension with large glass windows, surrounded by greenery. Outdoor seating area on the patio. Clear blue sky above.

The architectural intervention on the house itself introduces a striking contrast. While the original structure showcases the vibrant colors and furniture typical of mid-century design, the extension presents a clean, minimalist approach. A long, asymmetric form stretches along the northern side of the house, with an elegant wooden canopy extending to the west. This overhang not only adds architectural interest but also provides shade and protection from the elements.

Modern patio with glass walls, outdoor dining table, and chairs. Surrounded by potted plants and greenery, under a clear blue sky.

Modern house with a glass extension, featuring a dining table and chairs on a concrete patio, surrounded by plants, set against a clear blue sky and green foliage.

A modern building with large glass windows, a wooden exterior, and potted pink flowers on a concrete patio. Lush greenery surrounds the area.

Spacious dining area with a wooden table, chairs, and pendant light. Large windows open to a garden view. Minimalist decor with plants on a sideboard.

Inside, the extension prioritizes openness and flexibility. The new space features an expansive kitchen, living, and dining area, making it ideal for both everyday family life and hosting larger gatherings. The use of sliding glass walls creates a strong connection between the interior and the garden, flooding the space with natural light and enhancing the sense of openness.

Modern dining room with a wooden table, eight chairs, pendant lights, and large windows overlooking a garden. The room is bright and minimalistic, featuring a lounge area with sofas.

Minimalist dining area with a wooden table, chairs, and pendant lights. Large windows offer a view of a lush garden. Brown sofas and a rug are visible in the background.

Modern open living space with a brown leather chair, sofa, and dining table. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a green outdoor area. Neutral tones and indoor plants accent the room.

The minimalist interior design allows the garden to take center stage. A neutral palette and sleek, clean lines give the space a calming, contemporary feel. White pocket doors allow flexible partitioning between the kitchen and living areas, offering privacy when needed but opening the house up to light during the day. The furnishings pay homage to the home’s original mid-century character, creating a balance between old and new.

A modern kitchen with a central island, three wooden stools, and built-in appliances. Light wooden cabinets and a large window provide a spacious, airy feel. A rug is on the floor.

A light wood is used throughout the kitchen, offering a textured and warm contrast to the large gray tiles on the floor. The tiles extend out to the wraparound patio further enhancing the seamless indoor/outdoor connection. Even in the bathrooms, the mid-century spirit persists, with modern interpretations of the bold colors and design elements that defined the era. Overall, the The Seventies House transformation carefully maintains its mid-century charm while offering a new, spacious environment that draws the beauty of the garden indoors.

Modern kitchen with large glass window, wooden cabinetry, an island with three stools, stainless steel appliances, and a woven rug on the floor. Garden view outside.

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinetry, large central island with stools, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a garden. A textured rug lies on the floor.

Modern bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower, white tile walls, a wooden vanity with an oval sink, and a window providing natural light. The shower features a gold rainfall showerhead.

Modern bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, round mirror, wooden vanity with a sink, and a glass-enclosed shower. The walls are tiled, and there is a window overlooking greenery.

Bathroom with blue tiled walls, wooden door, wooden vanity, round sink, and a modern toilet.

Modern bathroom with blue tiled walls, a wooden vanity with a round sink, wall-mounted faucets, and a walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead.

A bathroom with blue tiled walls features a wooden vanity with a round sink, wall-mounted faucet, and a wooden cabinet above.

A modern two-story house with large windows is illuminated at night, surrounded by trees and a lawn under a partially cloudy sky.

Original house:

A two-story house with brown shingles partially covered in greenery, surrounded by overgrown grass and plants under a cloudy sky.

A two-story brick house with large windows, surrounded by overgrown grass and lush trees, under a clear blue sky.

For more projects from AR Design Studio, visit ardesignstudio.co.uk.

Photography by Martin Gardner.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.





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