大象传媒

Gemini and James had it all planned out when they bought their three-bed home in Surrey. Expecting a new baby, they would move in and do the place up with plenty of time to spare before the birth. But the baby herself had other ideas. When little Matilda arrived very prematurely, all thoughts of renovation flew out the window.

Four years later and Matilda is thriving - but the house is not. Gemini and James have managed to make some improvements to the back of the property, where they have spent time and money creating a modern, open-plan kitchen-diner. But at the front, it is a different story. The entrance and hallway are making both their lives a misery. The awkwardly situated front door leads onto a hall that has become a dumping ground. And the space doubles up as a utility room, making it all the more cramped.

Gemini wants to fit yet more into the modest space as she is adamant the growing family needs a downstairs loo 鈥� but she doesn鈥檛 want an extension. James, meanwhile, is convinced that an extension is the only practical solution. With only a small budget to play with, they have reached deadlock - time for some expert help.

Coming to their rescue are architects Laura Jane Clark and Robert Jamison, who each apply their very different philosophies to the problem. Always mindful of the competing demands of practicality and style, Laura takes a characteristically pragmatic approach with a simple but striking contemporary design. But experimental architect Robert decides a far more radical approach is the only answer.

Both architects pitch their designs in virtual reality. Then, having experienced two very different versions of what their home could be, Gemini and James choose one to build in real life. Finally, the winning architect and Angela return to Surrey to see the result for themselves. The couple have taken the concept and made it their own. But has the chosen design succeeded in solving the problems that have made the family miserable for so long? And have Gemini and James finally overcome their differences and created a home they can unite behind?