Split-Level House

Nestled in the Suffolk landscape, this 1960s split-level property possessed inherent character but suffered from a heavily compartmentalised, disjointed layout typical of its era. The owners approached us with a clear directive: untangle the internal circulation, establish a meaningful, fluid connection with the outdoors, and completely reimagine the dated aesthetic for contemporary living.

To resolve the fragmented floor plan, our design introduces a series of targeted structural adaptations and elegant additions. Rather than fighting the site’s natural topography, the new layout embraces the split-level dynamic, using it to define distinct zones for socialising, working, and relaxing while ensuring an intuitive, cohesive flow throughout the property.

The most dramatic intervention takes place at the lower-ground level, where an under-utilised, dark garage was repurposed into a sweeping, open-plan kitchen and dining space. This area now functions as the vibrant social heart of the home. Expansive glazing floods the room with natural light and frames uninterrupted views of a newly excavated sunken courtyard. This sheltered outdoor room provides a secluded, intimate space for alfresco dining, brilliantly blurring the boundary between the interior footprint and the landscape.

Moving up through the home, the upper-ground level features a generous living room extension alongside a dedicated, quiet home office. These spaces are strategically oriented to maximise daylight and visual connectivity with the surrounding greenery. Large glass doors open directly onto a new raised terrace, which acts as a transitional threshold leading out to the sprawling upper-level garden. The exterior spaces—wonderfully landscaped and planted by our clients—feature lush, terraced levels that echo the stepped architecture of the home itself.

Beyond the spatial reconfiguration, the entire property underwent a comprehensive visual modernisation. The tired 1960s facade was updated with crisp, contemporary materials and improved thermal performance, respecting the rural Suffolk context while giving the property a sharp, revitalised identity. Inside, a refined, warm palette of finishes unifies the distinct levels, successfully transforming a once-awkward layout into a light-filled sanctuary perfectly tailored for modern family life.