Dezeen Magazine

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions

The three pitched roofs of this bungalow extension in Manchester were designed by Blee Halligan Architects to capture sunlight at different times of the day and frame views of trees in the garden (+ slideshow).

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions

London studio Blee Halligan Architects arranged the extension's three double-height windows to face east, west and south so that interior spaces receive light at times that are appropriate to their functions.

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions

The kitchen faces east to welcome the morning light and create a bright space for eating breakfast, while the west-facing living room receives sunlight in the evening.

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions

Each of the windows looks out onto the garden and the steeply pitched roofs direct views towards the canopies of the trees bounding the site.

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions

"The brief was to turn a very common low-ceilinged bungalow into a bright, voluminous house," architect Greg Blee told Dezeen.

"This was the reason we developed the tall pitched-roof composition, which frames views rather than providing expansive views."

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions

The external walls of the building are clad in dark-stained larch panelling that helps it blend in with the surrounding garden.

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions

"We liked the idea that the extension would be recessive against the house and garden, which is a verdant green with mature trees and planting that accentuates its colour," explained Blee. "The building does not fight with this garden setting."

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions

Sliding doors connect a central dining room with a patio that can be used for al fresco dining. The kitchen also leads to a terrace, which is set to be extended to link the house with a proposed garden room.

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions

White-painted timber boards line the interior of the extension to give the space a soft domestic feel that contrasts with the dark external surfaces.

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions

A short set of stairs connects the dining room to the existing house, which contains a reception area, study and the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions

A new timber porch outside the front entrance incorporates benches sheltered beneath a translucent plastic roof. The slatted aesthetic of this structure is complemented by a chunky wooden fence in front.

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions

Photography is by Mike Black.

Here's a short description from Blee Halligan Architects:


A dilapidated bungalow is the site for a new rear addition

Three interconnected, pitched volumes, face in three directions - east, west and south, capturing sunlight at different times of the day, appropriate to function - the kitchen faces east for a light-bathed breakfast and the living room faces west to catch the last of the sunlight. They each pitch up to a large double-height window, capturing views of the garden and trees.

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions

The building is clad in black stained larch, so it appears recessive in the context of the garden and possesses an abstract geometric quality at night.

Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions
Ground floor plan - click for larger image
Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions
East-facing section - click for larger image
Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions
North-facing section - click for larger image
Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions
South elevation - click for larger image
Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions
East elevation - click for larger image
Blee Halligan's Triptych house extension catches sunlight from three directions
North elevation - click for larger image