Designed by SSdH, winner of The (Emerging) Designer Award for Residential Architecture, Dunstan maximises natural light and effortlessly connects indoors with out.
“The existing house was in a state of disrepair,” says Todd de Hoog, director at SSdH. “[The house] was built in the 1950s and resembles many of the other houses in Preston. However, there was something about the scale of it, the austerity and honesty of its very simple construction that we liked and wanted to engage with in its new extension.” The clients are downsizers who, more than any other feature, required a site with a strong northern aspect. Their love of gardening guided a vision of light-filled spaces looking out to a courtyard, where deciduous trees ensure that the interiors can still be naturally lit in winter. To strengthen the relationship between home and courtyard, the latter is positioned in the centre of the plan, with the main living areas organised around it.
From the front door, residents step into a warm-toned entryway, complete with tall timber storage and an integrated bench. Beyond lie the original bedrooms, new walk-in wardrobe and primary ensuite, followed by the hallway. “The hallway is an interesting part of the project,” says Todd. “It connects the existing house to the new pavilion. We kept the height purposefully low to create a feeling of compression before residents arrive at the expansive living areas.” A sunken study is positioned at the midpoint to offer a more intimate environment in proximity to the courtyard. Nonetheless, the residential experience is consistent: visual links are maintained across spatial boundaries and no room feels isolated.
As the clients prefer pared-back architecture, the pavilion is built according to the modernist tradition. Low and rectilinear, the structure extends from beneath the existing roof and features floor-to-ceiling glass panels, barely discernible from the street. “We used a lot of timber to frame the windows and we knew this needed to be protected – we saw it as a great opportunity to introduce a paint finish,” says Todd. “We landed on a yellow tone that reflects the warmth of the timber, brickwork and complementary materials. It allows light to enter the home even on an overcast day.” Inside, the ceiling showcases a grid of oversized beams that combine supportive functionality with a clean expression.
Thoughtfully extended, Dunstan draws strength from its modernist language. Focusing on natural light, SSdH delivers a cohesive residence that will remain inviting in all seasons.
SSdH won the Residential Architecture award at the 2025 (Emerging) Designer Awards for Dunstan. They were announced as winners in October at the awards’ annual ceremony – highlights here.
Artedomus is proud to present The (Emerging) Designer Awards in partnership with The Local Project. Explore The (Emerging) Designer Awards, and watch The Juror’s Cut to hear more about SSdH’s award win.
Words by Sara Jacob for The Local Project.
Video by HN Media.
Photography by Pier Carthew.
Architecture by SSdH.
Build by REX Building.
Landscape design by McNuttndorff Landscape Design.
Structural engineering by Donnelly & Co.