The Sidings | Abbeydale
Status: Completed
Location: Abbeydale, Sheffield
Project Scope: Single-storey side/rear extension.
Transforming a disconnected house into a more garden-focused home.
The Sidings was a property with immense potential but lacked a meaningful connection to its surroundings.
The original layout featured a dining room with a small window and little access to garden views. At the rear, a lean-to and a cramped kitchen that offered limited functionality and outlook.
Despite a generously sized garden stretching to a small brook and a rail line, where the charm of a passing train is set against a lovely wooded backdrop, the home's original design didn’t embrace this fascinating setting.
The site also sloped significantly, dropping nearly half a storey from the front street to the rear garden, adding to the design challenge.
“We love this project - the final result was so transformative and has brought a whole new dynamic way of living to our clients' home.”
— Jonathan Clarke
Our Design Approach
Working closely with our clients, we reimagined The Sidings as a light-filled, garden-centric home. Instead of resisting the site’s elevation changes, we embraced them, using them to define internal spaces and enhance the living experience.
Walker Build (the builders) skilfully implemented our design to dramatically open the house, creating an easy flow between the interior and exterior while establishing a vibrant new heart: a stunning kitchen and dining space.
A small flight of internal steps from this central area leads to a snug lounge—a tranquil retreat with full-height windows overlooking the garden.
These windows open onto a newly constructed terrace, with steps connecting it to the lawn below. This creates an ideal space for outdoor relaxation and family gatherings.
Materials and Finishes
We carefully selected materials to harmonise with the surroundings and ensure the extension felt contemporary yet respectful of its original character.
Light grey zinc cladding adds a modern touch, while locally quarried stone complements the existing stonework.
Inside, the client chose a soft, warm palette, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout the interior.
The Result
The Sidings is now a beautifully transformed home. The new design acknowledges and celebrates the garden. It’s a home perfectly tailored to its unique site, balancing functionality, comfort, and character—an inspiring space for family life where cooking, dining, and relaxing come together.
