Conceived as a courtyard home, the design pulls the extension back along the southern boundary to carve out a generous north-facing courtyard, seamlessly linked to the original structure via a patio. While contemporary in function, the new addition remains deliberately discreet, respectful of the original home. “We call it our sneaky big cottage,” says Gibson, “because it appears small from the street and reveals itself as you move through, unfolding layer by layer.” The courtyard idea extends below ground, where a sunken atrium draws daylight and greenery into the basement. This lower level, cleverly tucked beneath a permeable mesh, houses a fully functional living space that remains virtually invisible from above.The original home’s distinctive curves find new expression in the extension, woven in via subtle, playful gestures that bring depth and character. Through a careful interplay of texture and proportion, the designers have created a home that retains the warmth of a cottage while functioning with the ease and generosity of a larger family dwelling. It’s a place where everyday life, creative work and multigenerational gatherings flow together naturally – helped by the fact that both Gibson and her husband’s parents live just a few streets away, forming what the couple affectionately call their “happy Bermuda triangle”. The plan also accommodates two dedicated home offices for Gibson and her husband, along with a self-contained guest suite on the lower level.
