A Modern Dream Built Into a Brighton Garden

Clients Nick and Kate transformed a small garden plot into a contemporary three-storey home by adopting a vertical architecture strategy. The property includes a 96 sqm basement level and a rooftop terrace accessed via an electronically operated Glazing Vision Three Wall Box rooflight. Despite the restricted footprint, the design maximises space and captures panoramic views across Queen’s Park and towards Brighton seafront.

The Brief

Located on a small garden site adjacent to their existing house, the plot offered good potential due to its position overlooking Queen’s Park, with sea views available from the rooftop. The clients were keen to build something special and having always wanted to design their own home, the owners worked with Architect Lap Chan of Morgan Carn to create a modern solution in keeping with the surrounding areas, without replicating neighbouring Victorian architecture.

To maximise available space, the design focused on vertical expansion rather than expanding outwards. The ground floor contains the kitchen, dining and lounge areas, while the first floor is used as a second lounge and study, with a spiral staircase leading to the roof terrace accessed through our innovative Box Rooflight.

The Challenge

With the plot being a limited size, and located within a conservation area, expanding horizontally was not a viable option. The design required innovative use of vertical space to achieve the desired floor area. By building down and constructing the bedroom accommodation at basement level and integrating the rooftop terrace, the homeowners were able to introduce both additional living space and essential private outdoor areas.

The Rooflight Solution

A rooflight was required that complemented the clean architectural lines of the property, offered practical access to the terrace and could operate at the touch of a button. The Glazing Vision Three Wall Box rooflight provided the ideal solution, sliding across electronically to allow entry to the rooftop space where they can enjoy the beautiful surrounding areas.

Our rooflight was selected from competitive tenders based on the best price, quality of design and comprehensive technical information provided. When it arrived to be craned into place, the engineering standard was immediately evident, and once installed, it worked flawlessly, operated at the touch of a button.

The Result

By digging down to create a 96 sqm basement level for the bedroom accommodation and incorporating a rooftop terrace accessed via an electronically operated sliding rooflight, the home successfully overcomes spatial limitations and fully utilises its prime location. The result is a spacious, light-filled modern property with uninterrupted views, which was listed on the market for a whopping £1.3 million.