milton avenue

They say the toughest client is another architect, and Milton Avenue certainly proved the point. This project, a full refurbishment and significant extension of a 1960s bungalow, was undertaken for myself, my wife, and our two children. What began as a dated and compact property became an opportunity to rethink family living from the inside out and to test and refine my own design instincts in a very personal way.

The ambition was clear from the start. The footprint of the original bungalow would be doubled, creating a home with generous space, strong connections between rooms, and a calm sense of order. The existing structure was opened up and completely reworked, allowing the plan to be reorganised and new volumes to be added in a way that feels natural and balanced.

Designing for my own family brought both freedom and scrutiny. Every choice was guided by how we live day to day, from where the children play and how we gather, to how we work and where we each find quiet moments. The completed home feels bright, uplifting, and welcoming, while still offering pockets of privacy and comfort that support the rhythms of family life.

This project became more than a refurbishment. It became a lived exploration of design values, materials, and the impact of well considered spatial planning. Milton Avenue now stands as both a family home and a personal case study. It shows how thoughtful design can transform a modest mid century structure into a place with character, purpose, and longevity.