A modest extension to a Queensland workers cottage, the owners wanted to have a little extra space for their family to grow into their teenage years. The family had planted the rear garden over the years, resulting in beautifully mature and deep planting.

A new extension, built on an existing deck structure to reduces costs, was designed to engage with ground, sky and tree canopy. The rear elevation takes the form of four quadrants, providing an emphasis on a different part of the site from each.

The dining space looks out to the tree canopy. A bifold window, protected by a deep overhang opens up so that the spaces is like a balcony. A deep sill on the window provides a place to sit and enjoy the garden at the edge of the building.

Further back, the Kitchen space, modified only by a new island edge and refrigerator extension connects up to the sky and treetops through a soaring ceiling profile. With the garden sloping up away from the house at the rear and tall landscape, we saw this connection to sky as important – a psychological release where a gaze and thoughts can venture beyond the back garden. A sliding translucent screen can shield this west facing window from the low western sun.

The living room connects to the ground and an external concrete terrace provides a place to sit in the garden under the tree canopies. The split level allows a TV to be concealed from daily life, and all spaces connected whilst having an individual character.

Upstairs a new bedroom and ensuite provide a retreat for the parents. Moments of quiet and selected outlook to the rear allow the spaces to feel calm and deliberate.