101 Architecture+Design

With the strong qualities of light and height in the reception rooms, whilst bringing a contemporary edge to the original service spaces, by opening up the circulation to the kitchen and introducing a sophisticated, modern suite of stainless steel units.

Client: Private

Project Value: Private

Concept Design & Project Management: 101 Architecture+Design

The area was primarily built around the turn of the 19th century, and the style of construction was heavily informed by the Arts and Crafts movement, with a varied array of large decorative chimneys stacks, solid masonry brick walls and additive forms of pitched roofs, gable ends and porches. These characterful features lend the area a distinctive sense of place that 101 aimed to embody throughout their design. Creating a cohesive addition to the property that is greater than the sum of its parts.

In terms of materiality, we are exploring a cut red sandstone for the exterior of the extension, as it offers a tonal continuation to the red brick construction of the existing property, yet creates a contemporary distinction in finish and scale. Larger blocks of stone cladding could be laid out in a bonding pattern echoing that of the surrounding brickwork.

The footprint of the extension offers a generous addition of space by opening up the rear corner of the ground floor and creating a series of interconnected rooms. The interior is rearranged and extended to provide a clearer order of spaces whilst preserving the flow between them. The closing of the corridor alongside the stairs creates an exploratory avenue through the living room and down a new set of steps into a tall and open kitchen and dining space. An intimate study/library space with a prominent aspect to the garden retains its relationship to the more public room with an open doorway and window seat that extends to the corner.

Existing division of spaces has currently resulted in an awkward circulation and use of space, especially within the primary living/dining room. Furthermore, the sloping garden arrangement has lead to a lack of appropriate, diverse planting that is not solely along the perimeter of the property.

Drawing from the existing building and the rich fabric of the surrounding area, the proposal applies the traditional 'red London stock’, ’blue engineering' brick typology in a contemporary fashion, creating a datum wrapping around the extension. The introduction of new glazing and rooflights will bring more light through the south facade and into the living spaces.

Opening up the internal walls, alongside a rear extension on the ground floor will reorder the space creating clear zoning and circulation. The extension allows for an interior reworking, to include a utility room and relocation of the kitchen offering a larger, open relationship between living, dining and garden spaces.

Reworking the patio and lawn area to introduce a number of raised beds, and the addition of a wildflower green roof will bring more opportunities for biodiverse greenery into the garden, whilst still preserving the mature trees and bushes along the perimeter.

A further ambition of the project was to enhance the currently disjointed circulation both across the ground floor and vertically through the property. The rear extension allowed us to gain a spacious, open, kitchen/dining space with a separate living area accessed via space saving pocket doors. This arrangement has allowed for a clear zoning of spaces across the ground floor, whilst extending and opening up the existing staircase creating a cohesive vertical circulation leading to a practical new loft space. 

The proposal was informed by both 70s design style hinted at through the use of a contemporary ribbed glazing on the interior doors, alongside the high-tech architectural movement, explored through the use of a tensile steel balustrade system. Combining these design styles to lead to a playful use of colour alongside a minimal material palette creating an exciting yet refined design proposal for this residential property.

The design relocates the existing kitchen as part of a single storey extension, allowing a second bedroom to emerge. Whilst taking care to prioritise function across the new layout, maximising storage throughout.

The large arched windows along both the rear and side elevation, alongside a small skylight, ensure sufficient light ingress as a result of the increased depth of the space. Care was taken over the specific material choices such as the timber window frames to compliment a light brick and traditional limestone, crafting a minimal and respectful material palette overall.