PICTURE WHAT THE words ‘stick on an extension’ mean. Chances are they look nothing like that which Alma-nac collaborative architecture created in this 2.3 metre-wide space.

Source: Alma-nac

You can see here a hint of the clever arrangement which means the inside is much brighter and more space-conscious than one would expect in an area that once served merely as an access path to a former stable off a busy street.

Those sky-facing windows up along the angled roof are key – they allow natural light to seep into all levels of a spot that would otherwise be light-deprived.

No claustrophobia here, especially with the garden-level oak-framed double doors opening onto a carefully manicured outdoor area:

Source: Alma-nac

From the inside, Tardis-like, the sloped roof provides double-height at the eating area to increase that sense of airiness:

Source: Alma-nac

The bespoke galley kitchen is kept simple with light, natural wood worktops and plain doors, white subway tiling and large appliances, including a five-burner gas hob, integrated to keep everything streamlined and not get in the way of the flow of traffic through to the dining table and courtyard.

While this is an extension to an existing house, it could be a living area all of its own, as the two upper storeys of it contain a bedroom and a study, respectively. Storage is taken care of with a dressing room snuggled in behind the bedroom and a loft above the top-floor study.

Source: Alma-nac

Spot the hidden cupboard space doubling as a headboard in the bedroom:

Source: Alma-nac

The couple who asked Alma-nac for help were on a tight budget and constricted space-wise for their extension dream in their terraced house in Clapham, London. For more incredibly smart design by Alma-nac you should check out their portfolio here.

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