This glass extension created an open-plan eating area that feels as though it's outdoors

Francesca Mills is an interior designer who lives in Dulwich with her son. At the beginning of the year she got tired of continuously repairing her horrible Eighties conservatory, and decided to seize the moment, knock it down, and start all over again. Francesca asked Sacks Maguire, an architectural firm who she often works with, to design her a floating glass box, attached to the kitchen to form an open-plan dining area.
‘I knew they’d understand my vision - we share a common design language. They built me exactly what I wanted,’ she says. The building started in January and was finished by April, coming in on time and on budget. ‘It’s fantastic to have a weatherproof building that’s secure against burglars,’ says Francesca. ‘It’s been lovely this summer when very early in the mornings you can sit with the doors open and gaze out on to the garden. It’s very still and peaceful at this time of day and the light completely transforms the room.’

Useful Contacts

Architect: Sacks Maguire 020 7431 0065
Builder: The Building Works 020 8964 0918
Interior Designer: Francesca Mills www.francescamills.com
Shutters: Thomas Sanderson www.thomas-sanderson.co.uk

Words: Annabel Biles Images: Helen Fickling