A thoughtful full-width timber extension transforms a cramped Edwardian kitchen into a light-filled family living space that opens generously onto a west-facing garden in Portobello.

This project extends a terraced Edwardian home in Portobello for a young family, replacing a dark, cramped kitchen tucked under the stairs with a generous, light-filled living space that opens fully onto their west-facing garden. The full-width timber-clad addition introduces a seamless connection between inside and out, using a distinctive 3 | 2 | 1 composition of Iroko-framed glazing: a large sliding door, a fixed picture window, and a small winter door. The sliding panel glides over the other elements to open the façade entirely, while the deep cills and projecting overhangs provide weather protection and a strong architectural character. A rooflight draws daylight into the centre of the plan, ensuring the kitchen remains bright throughout the day. Internally, white-painted ceiling timbers nod to the nearby beachfront setting, while underfloor-heated natural stone flooring adds durability and warmth. The result is a calm, functional space that reflects the rhythm of family life and the changing light of the garden beyond.