Modern Meets Function in a Bold Ambleside Build

Project overview

This Ambleside extension transformed an existing home into a modern, entertaining focused space defined by strong architectural features and precise detailing.

From a large suspended slab to a striking kitchen archway, every element was designed to improve functionality while creating a bold, cohesive finish.

Modern house balcony with glass railing overlooks residential neighborhood, trees, and a lake with hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Modern living space with a suspended black fireplace, large windows, outdoor view, built-in bench seating, and a kitchen area with a flower arrangement on the counter.

Client Brief

The clients wanted a contemporary space designed for entertaining and everyday living.

Key priorities included integrating outdoor living areas, incorporating a suspended fire feature, and creating a modern interior that connected seamlessly with the existing home.

Planning + Design

The design centred on clean lines, strong structural elements and purposeful focal points.

Close collaboration with designers ensured the new structure aligned both structurally and visually with the original home. Careful planning was essential to achieve a seamless transition between old and new.

Challenges Faced

Integrating the new structure
Connecting the extension to the existing home required precise structural planning and careful detailing to ensure consistency in both appearance and performance.

Feature elements and finishes
Statement features such as the suspended slab and tiled archway demanded accuracy during construction to achieve the intended visual impact.

Materials and Techniques Used

The suspended slab was poured and executed with precision to support the architectural design.

Large format tiles (900 x 1800) were installed in the bathrooms, while a custom tiled kitchen archway was constructed as a key interior feature. All tiling work was completed in house to maintain quality control and detailing consistency.

Client Feedback

The clients were especially pleased with how the design centred around the suspended fire feature and how naturally the new spaces connect with the existing home.

They also valued the team’s clear communication and problem solving throughout the build process.

Modern kitchen with dark cabinetry, a curved island, two black bar stools, arched backsplash with accent lighting, and built-in appliances on a polished concrete floor.

Team Involvement

The team completed all tiling in house, including the detailed kitchen archway, ensuring consistency and quality across finishes.

From the suspended slab to the fire feature integration, each element was executed with careful coordination and attention to detail.

Unique Aspects of the Project

The suspended fire feature, custom kitchen archway and oversized tiles set this build apart.

Each feature required tailored construction methods to achieve both structural integrity and the intended visual impact.

Key Learnings or Takeaways

Strong collaboration between builders, designers and clients is essential when integrating complex structural elements with existing homes.

Clear communication and precise execution ensured a cohesive result that balances bold design with practical living.

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Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood with houses, trees, winding roads, and a large body of water in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
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Modern house balcony with glass railing overlooking a suburban neighborhood, trees, and a body of water with hills in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
Modern outdoor patio with glass fencing, covered grill, two covered chairs, and a view of a grassy yard and trees, seen through large glass windows.
Modern living space with a suspended black fireplace, large windows, outdoor view, built-in bench seating, and a kitchen area with a flower arrangement on the counter.
Modern open-plan living and dining area with large glass windows, a suspended fireplace, blue sofa, and views of green landscape outside.
A modern two-story brick house with large glass windows, a balcony, and a spacious concrete driveway surrounded by greenery and trees.
Large two-story brick house with a dark roof, multiple windows, and a spacious driveway, surrounded by neatly landscaped lawns and shrubs under a clear blue sky.
Modern bathroom with gray stone tiles, a floating wooden vanity with a round white sink, a frameless glass shower enclosure, and a wall-mounted rainfall showerhead.
Modern kitchen with a large island, two barstools, dark cabinetry, blue tiled backsplash, under-cabinet lighting, and built-in appliances.
A modern black suspended fireplace with a fire burning inside, positioned indoors near large glass windows overlooking a patio and trees outside.
A modern two-story brick house with large glass windows and a wraparound balcony, set on a landscaped lawn under a clear sky.
A modern two-story brick house with large windows, a glass balcony, and a spacious concrete driveway, surrounded by greenery and trees.
Modern interior with hanging pendant lights, large glass windows, and a view of green trees and sky outside. Geometric ceiling design with natural light entering the space.
A modern building with red brick walls, large glass windows, and a glass balcony railing, overlooking a grassy area and a residential street.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a small fridge, microwave, toaster, black faucet, and a kettle on the countertop; piano visible in adjacent room.
A modern bedroom with a large bed, white furniture, two bedside tables with lamps, and a window overlooking greenery. The room has neutral tones and minimal decor.