eastwest architecture completes garden house gym extension in london

Eastwest Architecture has designed and installed a compact gym in the garden of an East London home in Walthamstow. Commissioned by a homeowner lacking local gym facilities, the Garden Studio Gym serves as a multifunctional space, convertible into an office or yoga studio. The design prioritizes both functionality and aesthetic integration within the garden setting. The architects faced strict building regulations concerning maximum roof heights. To accommodate this, the ground floor of the studio was lowered, ensuring ample ceiling height for activities like skipping and jumping. This sunken design also contributes to a more integrated appearance within the garden landscape, minimizing its visual impact from the main residence. The project utilized a streamlined material palette to maintain budget efficiency. The exterior is predominantly clad in charred cedar, a dark wood choice. To counteract any potential visual dominance of the dark cladding, a large window was incorporated into the main wall, offering a glimpse of the contrasting interior and allowing natural light to penetrate the space. The selection of charred cedar provides a modern yet natural aesthetic, intended to complement the garden environment. Inside, three of the gym's internal walls are finished with birch plywood panels. These panels are strategically illuminated with yellow lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This design choice aims to encourage the clients to use the gym regularly, making the journey from their home to the studio an appealing one. The warm interior contrasts with the dark exterior, adding a layer of visual interest. The fourth wall of the gym features a full-height frameless mirror. This mirror serves a dual purpose: it is functional for exercise routines and, more importantly, creates an illusion of a much larger space. This visual trick is particularly effective in a compact garden studio, making the interior feel expansive despite its actual dimensions. Angled skylights further enhance the natural light within the sunken structure, maximizing brightness and reducing reliance on artificial lighting during the day. Additional design details include a discreet door lintel, echoing the traditional garden shed aesthetic, and a hidden connection for a punch bag, allowing it to be easily removed when the space needs to be adapted for other uses. These thoughtful additions underscore the studio's multifunctional purpose and its ability to seamlessly transition between various activities. The project showcases how architectural constraints can lead to innovative design solutions, creating a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and adaptable space within a residential garden. #EastwestArchitecture #GardenStudio #HomeGym #LondonArchitecture #CharredCedar #BirchPlywood #ResidentialDesign #SmallSpaceDesign #MultifunctionalSpace

This article explores fourteen innovative and thoughtfully designed extensions that breathe new life into historic London residences, many of which are over a century old. These projects demonstrate how contemporary architectural approaches can integrate seamlessly with the existing character of Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian-era homes, often introducing open layouts, modern materials, and a strong connection to the outdoors. Each example highlights unique design challenges and creative solutions from various London-based architectural firms. One featured project, by Yellow Cloud Studio, details a 485-square-foot extension for a Victorian home in East London. This addition, necessitated by a growing family, includes a dining area, a spacious kitchen with a bespoke terrazzo island, and a second-level brick-clad section housing a guest room, study, and family bathroom. The design emphasizes a seamless indoor/outdoor connection through bifold doors, incorporating minimalist, brutalist-inspired elements like pale bricks and polished plaster alongside warm oak carpentry and brass accents. Turner Architects' renovation of a Georgian row house in disrepair showcases a low-slung, 45-foot-long extension. This addition features new dining, living, and kitchen spaces with a retractable wall of windows opening to a rear garden and a green roof. The interior is inspired by Dutch courtyard paintings, creating 'monastic spaces' that connect to the landscape and sky, notably with an enclosed courtyard featuring a single cherry tree separating the living room from the dining and kitchen areas. Another project involves Mitchell + Corti Architects expanding a terraced Victorian for a historian couple, focusing on creating more space for their children and extensive book collection. The 1,291-square-foot floor plan includes a rear extension with a circular skylight illuminating a floor-to-ceiling bookcase in the open-plan common area, designed with future renovations in mind. Archer + Braun drew inspiration from postwar brutalism for a Georgian-style home's renovation in Stepney Green, East London. The addition utilizes custom concrete matching the surrounding buildings and existing brick tones, with an exposed aggregate concrete floor and a skylight over the dining table creating an inviting space. Critical Architecture Network (CAN), led by Mat Barnes, transformed an Edwardian home with a postmodern glass-box addition topped by a foamed aluminum mountain range, inspired by Disneyland’s Matterhorn. The interior is equally imaginative, featuring kitchen cabinets made from recycled milk bottle tops and tiled steps displaying a family catchphrase. Amos Goldreich Architecture's 'Framework House' project for a London Victorian focused on transforming the ground level to create functional, light-filled spaces. An extension with exposed steel rafters and oak cladding incorporates permeable shelving as a room divider, providing distinct zones within an open-plan area. Studio Ben Allen implemented prefab elements in a four-day renovation of a Victorian terrace home, expanding the rear with a new kitchen and bathrooms swathed in green-, blue-, and red-pigmented concrete. Off-site construction was used for exterior and structural concrete, nonstructural concrete elements, and the balustrade, with an arch motif unifying the design. DGN Studio's renovation of a semidetached Victorian terrace near London Fields features a rear extension with exposed concrete and white-oiled oak. A lowered level at the back hosts the kitchen and dining room, accessed via concrete steps that double as seating, creating a grounded and robust base for various activities. Amos Goldreich Architecture also designed an extension for an avid gardener's Victorian mid-terrace house, where the design revolves around connecting to the garden. The rear extension includes a spacious kitchen with a terrazzo island and an enclosed winter garden featuring automated skylights and an irrigation system, allowing residents to enjoy plants year-round. Novak Hiles Architects added a 194-square-foot extension to a London terrace home, featuring an open-plan kitchen and dining area connecting to a split-level garden. The exterior is clad in pressed metal with a frieze of handmade ceramic tiles referencing Arts and Crafts. The interior incorporates muted earth tones, mirroring the outdoor greenery. Another project by Amos Goldreich Architecture involved remodeling a terraced Victorian brownstone for a couple with a newborn, adding a side extension with an enlarged kitchen and efficient storage solutions. Modified Ikea cabinets with plywood fronts and azure-and-birch trim demonstrate how a beautiful and unique home can be achieved on a budget. Architect Mat Barnes of CAN designed a playful extension for a Victorian terrace house in Brockley, South London, featuring an exterior with offset Douglas fir battens painted blue and gray. The interior, kept muted with bright white surfaces, incorporates glossy tiles from the exterior to clad a brick pillar in the kitchen and lounge area. Finally, DeDraft designed a mint-green aluminum extension for a 1920s London home, catering to the clients' preference for green. The interior features concrete floor tiles, concrete blockwork walls, exposed Douglas fir ceiling joists, and bespoke birch plywood cabinets, with natural light flooding in through a skylight and tall glass doors. Alison Brooks designed a 750-square-foot home office extending from a Victorian home for a design and photography firm. The angular addition, inspired by a camera aperture, is clad in Corian, with a sunken courtyard providing a side entrance and unique openings, including a skylight, to maximize natural light for staff. #LondonArchitecture #HomeExtensions #VictorianHomes #EdwardianHomes #GeorgianHomes #TerraceHouses #ModernAdditions #ArchitecturalRenovations #InteriorDesign

Architects Christian Ducker and Tyeth Gundry of London-based Gundry & Ducker have completed an extension to a Victorian property in Kensal Rise, west London, transforming a formerly dark and narrow kitchen and bathroom into a bright, spacious, and open-plan cooking and dining area. The project, dubbed 'Slate House,' aimed to create a large, dramatic, and light-filled heart for the home that could function effectively throughout the year. The original kitchen occupied a low, confined space at the rear of the house. By utilizing an additional strip of land adjacent to the property, the architects were able to expand the footprint beyond a typical London house extension, while still maintaining a comfortable domestic atmosphere. This was achieved through a carefully selected material palette that blends traditional elements with a contemporary approach. The exterior of the garden-facing facade of the extension is clad with hexagonal slate tiles, creating a distinctive visual texture. This tiling extends to flank a patio area, designed to facilitate outdoor dining. The choice of hexagonal slate contributes to a modern aesthetic while referencing traditional materials. Inside, the design features timber tongue-and-groove panelling, used on both walls and a section of the sloping ceiling. These wooden panels are arranged in various patterns, including chevrons and stripes. The striped panelling serves a functional purpose by concealing doors and cupboards, including a "secret entrance" to a larder, which integrates seamlessly into the wall design. Natural light is a key aspect of the design, with a skylight strategically positioned to follow the orientation of the kitchen worktops. This placement highlights a direct sightline between a large picture window and the doorway leading to the older parts of the house. The extension also incorporates a window seat offering views of a tree, intended to be a pleasant seating area and a visual focal point at the end of the kitchen space. The dining area further connects to the garden through a pair of French doors. Further interior details include dark ceramic tiles framing the oven and fridge-freezer, providing a contrast to the lighter timber elements. The lighting scheme incorporates three types of fixtures, including cut-crystal light bulbs designed by London-based Lee Broom. The new kitchen and dining area is set two steps lower than the floor level of the rest of the ground storey, creating an informal seating ledge along the end wall. The project was executed by Gundry & Ducker, with structural engineering provided by Toynbee Associates. Photography of the completed extension was carried out by Hufton + Crow, capturing the interplay of natural light, traditional materials, and modern design principles. #ResidentialExtension #LondonArchitecture #VictorianRenovation #HexagonalTiles #SlateCladding #KitchenDesign #TimberPanelling #ModernInteriors #GundryDucker

The Pitcombe’s Old School House Renovation, a project by Bindloss Dawes, involves the transformation of a Grade-II listed property located in a picturesque Somerset valley, United Kingdom. The renovation focuses on blending the building's historical character with contemporary architectural elements. The project is a collaboration with Joa Studholme, a color curator for Farrow & Ball, and her husband, Andrew Studholme, reflecting Bindloss Dawes' expertise in rigorous detailing and material compositions that balance urban and rural aesthetics. Built in 2023, the renovated house has an area of 120 square meters. Key contributors to the project include Francesca Iovene for photography, Momentum for structural engineering, and Gregory Renovations for contracting. Manufacturers involved in the project include Andrew Cooke, English Woodland Timber, Farrow and Ball, and Oakwrights Joinery. The design team from Bindloss Dawes included George Dawes and Fawn Ma. The architectural approach highlights the preservation of the existing structure while introducing modern extensions. A notable feature of the renovation is the new timber extension, which complements the original building without overshadowing its historical significance. This extension is a testament to the architects' ability to integrate new design seamlessly into an older context, creating a harmonious living space that respects its heritage. The interior design, also managed by Bindloss Dawes, reflects a careful consideration of color and texture, influenced by Joa Studholme's expertise. The project aims to create a comfortable and functional home that meets the modern needs of its occupants while maintaining a strong connection to its past. The use of high-quality materials and craftsmanship is evident throughout the property, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. The project showcases a balance between old and new, demonstrating how historic buildings can be adapted for contemporary living through thoughtful renovation. The successful integration of the timber extension and the meticulous attention to detail in both the interior and exterior elements contribute to the overall success of the Pitcombe’s Old School House Renovation, positioning it as a significant example of architectural preservation and modern design. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseRenovation #HistoricPreservation #ContemporaryDesign #TimberExtension #GradeIIListedBuilding #UnitedKingdomArchitecture #BindlossDawes

EBBA architects undertook a significant renovation of a traditional north London terraced property in Camden, aiming to inject light, space, and a sense of calm into the living environment. The clients, who had resided in the unmodernized home for 15 years, sought a more cohesive living area and an improved connection to their garden, which was previously limited due to fragmented spaces. The architectural team focused on integrating these disparate areas while maximizing natural light, particularly by opening up the rear of the building. A key element of the renovation is a thoughtfully designed double-height rear extension. This addition draws inspiration from the metalwork commonly seen on balconies of local Victorian housing. Positioned discreetly between existing structures, the extension serves to link two interior levels, thereby dramatically increasing the ingress of natural light throughout the house. Furthermore, it establishes a continuous visual and physical connection to the outdoors, enhanced by large glazed doors that open onto a brick-lined terrace and the lush garden beyond. A new home office space was also integrated, providing a direct link to the garden, reflecting a contemporary need for versatile living and working environments. Inside, the design emphasizes warmth, craftsmanship, and material continuity through bespoke joinery. This includes a substantial kitchen island and custom-built bedroom furniture, showcasing a commitment to tailored solutions. The material palette was chosen with sustainable architecture principles in mind, featuring extensive use of timber, complemented by off-white clay floor tiles and limestone accents. This selection creates a tranquil and understated aesthetic, fostering a sense of 'zen' throughout the home. One distinctive feature is the master ensuite, which incorporates a Japanese-style wooden tub and softly textured clay walls, further contributing to the home's serene ambiance. EBBA architects, known for their diverse portfolio spanning residential design, exhibitions, and retail, aim to create spaces that evoke specific poetic and material qualities, capable of delivering a direct emotional impact on their occupants. This Camden renovation exemplifies their philosophy, subtly transforming a traditional London terrace into a dramatically enhanced living space with a profound connection to its natural surroundings. #CamdenHouse #LondonArchitecture #HomeRenovation #DoubleHeightExtension #EBBAArchitects #SustainableDesign #BespokeJoinery #NaturalLight #TerracedHomeTransformation

Studio Octopi undertook a comprehensive renovation and extension of a terraced Victorian house in north London, aiming to address previous disjointed living spaces and a cramped atmosphere resulting from an earlier 1980s overhaul. The architectural intervention focused on creating more expansive and interconnected areas throughout the home. Key to this transformation was the integration of a 10-meter-high glass infill extension, strategically placed between the existing property and a reconfigured closet wing. This new element was designed to house a double-height dining area on the basement level, directly connecting to a master suite on the first floor. The design incorporated a void that extends vertically from the dining area, allowing natural light to penetrate deeply into the lower levels. A lounge area on the ground floor overlooks this void, featuring a glass balustrade to maintain a sense of openness and visual continuity. The kitchen and dining space were conceived as a versatile family and entertaining area, emphasizing a strong connection to the outdoors. To achieve this, a full-height glass surface was installed along the new addition, incorporating minimally framed sash windows. These windows facilitate a direct interaction with the patio garden, particularly at the basement level where a window can be raised to create a direct opening to the outdoor space. The intricate engineering required for these precise window and door mechanisms necessitated close collaboration between the architects, structural engineers, and manufacturers. To further blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, concrete flooring extends seamlessly from the interior living spaces to the patio garden. This continuous surface is complemented by a 6.3-meter-high pivoting glass door, enhancing the fluid transition and expanding the perceived space. The design team aimed to unify the various levels of the house, which was accomplished through the vertical glazing system and the large pivot door and windows in the closet wing, carefully balancing the openings in the rear elevation. A green wall was introduced along two sides of the patio, providing a garden element without encroaching on the outdoor entertaining area. The original closet wing was extended using brickwork that matched the existing neighboring buildings, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. This extension allowed for increased ceiling heights on the upper floors, significantly improving the previously constrained rooms. A staircase with open wooden treads was designed to ascend along one side of the house, promoting light flow and maintaining an airy feel. A complex fire strategy was developed to meet regulations while allowing the stairs to remain open, avoiding traditional enclosures. On the uppermost floor, a skylit snug living area with a kitchenette was created, providing a dedicated private space for the family's older children. The project successfully transformed a previously disjointed property into a contemporary home with harmonious and generously proportioned living spaces, deeply connected to its external environment through innovative glazing solutions. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseExtension #LondonArchitecture #GlassDesign #PatioGarden #VictorianRenovation #StudioOctopi #OpenPlanLiving #NaturalLight #ArchitecturalRenovation

Emily Pun, an interior architect, and her partner, Jono Taylor, undertook a significant renovation of a dilapidated three-bedroom Victorian terrace in East Ham, East London. The couple, who relocated to the UK in 2017, decided to move from their two-bedroom Georgian maisonette in Leyton during the pandemic, driven by a desire for more space, a larger garden, and a creative project. Despite a limited budget, they focused on areas of East London with potential and found a neglected Victorian terrace that, despite damp and mold issues and having been rented out to multiple tenants, had elegant proportions and a good-sized garden suitable for an extension. Their vision was to create a balanced and cohesive home where every space flowed naturally. To achieve this, they collaborated with architect Marilena Walton to design a side and rear wraparound extension, expanding the kitchen to the full width of the house and creating a seamless connection to the garden. This extension incorporated semi-recessed sliding doors, a built-in window seat, and a side-pitched roof with exposed oak beams to enhance height and natural light. They moved into the house in July 2022, and while living there, they began preliminary work on the main bedroom and living room, stripping them back, sanding floorboards, and reinstating period features like cornicing and ceiling roses. A notable achievement was restoring an original slate fire surround and repositioning it in their bedroom as a focal point. Upon the arrival of their build team, the main renovation phase commenced, lasting 20 weeks. During this period, Emily and Jono moved out but maintained weekly site visits to ensure design details were executed to a high standard, actively participating where possible. The new kitchen became a central feature, featuring a dedicated utility area with open shelving and strategic doors and walkways to create a circular flow downstairs. Emily selected red and black reclaimed quarry tiles for the flooring, intending them to be a focal point, complemented by warm oak-fronted cabinetry and durable quartz worktops. The outdoor space was equally important. Working with gardener Susanna Grant, they meticulously leveled the garden to create a smooth transition from the sliding doors to the patio. The garden was designed with pavers weaving through greenery and wildflowers, and a bespoke oak bench and large planter (which also serves as storage) were added to complete the integrated look. The rest of the house received comprehensive upgrades, including new double-glazed timber sash windows, updated electrics, and plumbing. For the interior, Emily embraced the north-facing living room's natural darkness by painting it a moody green and incorporating natural textures. The home's overall neutral palette was enlivened with earthy color accents and thoughtfully chosen art and furniture. Emily reflected on the renovation process, acknowledging that it pushed them to their limits but also deepened her passion for interior design. This experience inspired her to establish her company, Den, to assist others in their renovation journeys, aiming to provide guidance and support throughout the design and construction phases. The couple expressed immense pride in their transformed home, finding the evolution of their living space deeply rewarding and motivating to extend their expertise to others. #VictorianTerrace #HomeRenovation #EastLondon #InteriorDesign #KitchenExtension #GardenRedesign #PeriodFeatures #AdaptiveReuse #InteriorArchitecture

This article details a renovation project by London-based firm LLI Design, focusing on a Victorian townhouse in North London. The project aimed to infuse modern style while restoring period-appropriate elements that had been stripped away in previous renovations. The primary focus of the redesign was a windowed kitchen extension that fully opens to the garden, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. The previous state of the Victorian townhouse lacked its original character, as earlier renovations had removed many historical details. LLI Design meticulously reintroduced these elements, starting with the front fanlight window, which was adorned with stained glass. The entry hall received vintage black and white tiles, re-establishing a sense of historical authenticity right from the entrance of the home. These subtle yet significant changes contributed to restoring the townhouse's original charm and aesthetic. Inside, the living room also underwent significant transformations. Outdated cabinetry was replaced with custom-built shelving units, carefully designed to flank the fireplace, providing both functionality and a refreshed aesthetic. The old mantle was removed and replaced with a more traditional marble fireplace surround, further enhancing the room's classic appeal. The flooring throughout the living spaces was updated with light herringbone-patterned floors, which successfully blended historical charm with a contemporary feel, bridging the gap between the home's past and present. The kitchen, however, stands out as the centerpiece of this renovation. It was completely revamped with new pale gray cabinets that offer a sleek and modern look, complemented by crisp white countertops. The most striking feature of the kitchen is its entire rear wall, which is composed of large-paned windows framed in dark gray aluminum. These windows are designed to open completely, transforming the kitchen and dining area into an open-air space that directly connects to the garden. This innovative design allows for an abundance of natural light and ventilation, creating a bright, airy, and inviting atmosphere that blurs the lines between the interior and exterior environments. This renovation exemplifies how modern architectural interventions can respect and enhance historical properties. By carefully reintroducing period details while integrating contemporary design elements, LLI Design successfully transformed the Victorian townhouse into a functional and aesthetically pleasing home. The emphasis on opening the interior spaces to the garden not only enhances the living experience but also creates a unique connection to the outdoors, making the home more adaptable to modern lifestyles while preserving its inherent character. #VictorianTownhouse #HomeRenovation #LondonArchitecture #InteriorDesign #KitchenExtension #GardenConnection #LLIDesign #ModernStyle #PeriodDetails

Studio McW undertook the extension and redesign of the lower ground floor of Threshold House, a semi-detached, split-level Victorian residence situated in London's De Beauvoir neighborhood. The project's primary objective was to expand the dwelling to accommodate extended hospitality and to introduce a greater connection to the rear garden through a sunken, brick-lined courtyard. The existing lower ground floor, characterized by a series of fragmented spaces and limited access to natural light, presented a significant design challenge. The clients, a couple with a strong affinity for hosting guests, sought a living environment that would foster social interaction and provide versatile spaces for both large gatherings and intimate moments. They also desired a seamless transition between the interior and exterior, a connection that was notably absent in the original layout. Studio McW's design response involved a strategic reorganization of the internal program and a thoughtful integration of a new outdoor area. The intervention focused on creating a coherent flow throughout the lower level, enhancing natural light penetration, and establishing a direct visual and physical link to the garden. The addition of a sunken courtyard not only introduced a verdant outlook but also served to define a new threshold between the renovated interior and the re-landscaped exterior. This courtyard, clad in brickwork, acts as an extension of the internal living areas, providing an additional space for relaxation and entertainment. Material selection played a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic and tactile qualities of the redesigned spaces. Studio McW opted for a palette of natural and durable materials, including exposed brick, concrete, and timber, to create a sense of warmth and permanence. The use of brick, in particular, establishes a continuity with the Victorian architectural heritage of the house while introducing a contemporary sensibility. Large expanses of glazing were incorporated to maximize natural light and offer uninterrupted views of the courtyard and garden, further blurring the boundaries between inside and out. The reconfigured lower ground floor now comprises a spacious open-plan living area, a modern kitchen, and dining facilities, all designed to facilitate social engagement. The layout allows for flexible furniture arrangements, accommodating a range of activities from casual family meals to more formal entertaining. The project successfully transforms a previously underutilized and disconnected basement level into a vibrant and inviting heart of the home, tailored to the clients' lifestyle and their passion for hospitality. The thoughtful integration of architecture and landscape design has resulted in a dwelling that not only meets the functional needs of its occupants but also enriches their daily experience. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseRenovation #LondonArchitecture #StudioMcW #VictorianHome #InteriorDesign #CourtyardDesign #ArchitecturalExtension #UnitedKingdom

The Coach House, a compact three-bedroom residence with an ash-lined guest annexe, has been completed by London-based Open Practice Architecture and interior design studio Kinder Design. Situated on a previously neglected infill site in East Dulwich, which once housed a Ministry of Transport (MOT) garage and its outbuildings, the project represents a growing trend of architectural firms venturing into property development. Open Practice Architecture and Kinder Design jointly acquired the site in 2017, acting as both developers and designers. The main house, organized around a central courtyard, was finished in 2022, followed by the adjacent annexe in 2023. Rupert Scott, director at Open Practice Architecture, highlighted that this approach allows architects to navigate challenging market conditions by directly engaging in development. Despite aiming for an "architecturally unique" outcome, the design intent was to create a structure that integrated subtly into its surroundings rather than drawing overt attention. The primary objective was to deliver a serene, well-lit, and functional family home that also met high standards of insulation and energy efficiency. The L-shaped layout of the Coach House mirrors the footprint of the original structures on the site. The ground floor accommodates the living, dining, and kitchen areas, which feature full-height sliding glass doors that open directly onto the central courtyard, fostering an indoor-outdoor connection. A white-steel staircase provides access to the first floor, where three bedrooms are situated. These bedrooms offer views of both the central courtyard and a strategically placed lightwell, designed to draw natural light into the deeper, naturally darker sections of the plot. Scott elaborated on the challenge of maximizing natural light, given the building's north-facing orientation. The inclusion of a "light pocket" at the rear was crucial in allowing two of the bedrooms to benefit from south-facing light, preventing all rooms from being clustered around the courtyard and ensuring a more equitable distribution of sunlight throughout the upper level. The material palette reflects a blend of historical context and modern functionality. Reclaimed London brick was chosen for the exterior, enabling the Coach House to harmoniously blend with the surrounding mews buildings and acknowledging the site's utilitarian past. The interiors are characterized by painted and plywood walls, complemented by a concrete floor with exposed aggregate, maintaining an industrial yet refined aesthetic. A large sliding wooden door, suspended from an exposed steel beam, marks the entrance, further referencing the site's previous function. The guest annexe presents a material contrast, featuring natural ash cladding on both its interior and exterior surfaces, including a hinged shutter on the first floor. This singular material application for the annexe, while simple, provides a deliberate visual counterbalance and acts as a distinct "bookend" to the main residence, according to Scott. This project contributes to a series of infill developments in London, such as a textured brick house by Platform 5 Architects and a cluster of homes with sawtooth roofs by Dallas Pierce Quintero, all of which creatively repurpose former industrial or neglected spaces. #CoachHouse #OpenPracticeArchitecture #KinderDesign #LondonArchitecture #EastDulwich #InfillDevelopment #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ReclaimedBrick #CourtyardDesign

This article details an innovative extension project for an Edwardian home in London, undertaken by Jessica and Simon to accommodate their growing family. Instead of opting for a traditional square-shaped addition, they collaborated with architect Andrew Mulroy to integrate a striking curved glass wall, leading to a spacious dining extension. The homeowners' primary concern was to preserve the original period features of their 17-year-old home, particularly the bay doors at the rear, which were a significant draw when they purchased the property. They had invested considerable time in restoring elements like fireplaces, cornicing, architraves, and parquet flooring, and were determined to avoid compromising these details with the new extension. The design challenge was to create more space at the rear of the house, which previously had a basic side extension, while keeping the essential bay intact. The family desired a setup that allowed them to keep an eye on their children when they were younger, but now, with older children, they needed spaces that offered a degree of independence. This led to a decision against a fully open-plan layout, instead creating a design that allows five people to live both independently and collectively, with the kitchen and dining area serving as a central social hub that offers views of both the old and new architectural elements. Inspiration for the unique curved glass wall came from Japanese architecture, specifically firms specializing in art galleries that incorporated similar curved structures. Architect Andrew Mulroy realized that a curved glass wall could effectively wrap around the existing bay, creating a compact courtyard and allowing for a galley kitchen. This design also ensured a fluid view from the front door all the way to the garden. The new extension features four curved, floor-to-ceiling glass panels that gracefully connect to a brick-finished, timber-framed dining area, topped with a green roof adorned with grasses and wildflowers. Inside the extension, elements like textured concrete walls, a poured resin floor, and warm wood finishes contribute to a sense of domesticity. The homeowners' informal approach to interiors is reflected in their preference for vintage finds and unique pieces over trendy or branded items, creating a relaxed counterpoint to the minimal aesthetic of the glass wall and near-frameless picture windows. Throughout the house, vintage pieces, such as a mid-century sideboard and Czech lounge chairs, blend with the contemporary design. Playful touches, like hanging chairs in the dining area and a new bedroom, add character. The new space has become the heart of family life, used for baking, for their puppy Mabel to get cozy on the underheated resin floor, and for Sunday morning relaxation. The curved wall, according to Jessica, frames the rear of the house in an unexpected and joyful way, echoing the shape of the original bay while maintaining its own distinct identity. The project also included the addition of a first-floor bedroom-cum-study and a bathroom. Andrew Mulroy emphasized pushing the boundaries of what was possible, consulting glass specialists to achieve the ambitious design. Inset shelving in the main bedroom, lined with a silk multi-colored fabric from Designers Guild, provides a bold accent to an otherwise serene scheme, negating the need for freestanding storage. #EdwardianHome #HomeExtension #CurvedGlassWall #ArchitecturalDesign #ModernHome #FamilyLiving #InteriorDesign #JapaneseArchitectureInfluence #RenovationProject

The article details the renovation of a 1970s split-level row house in Hackney, London, undertaken by Archmongers, the architectural firm led by Johan Hybschmann and his wife, Anita Freeman. The project's primary goals were to modernize the home for contemporary living, enhance its energy efficiency, and introduce more natural light into the interior spaces. The renovation adheres to Archmongers' commitment to using honest, exposed materials and traditional wood joinery, incorporating a palette of brick, galvanized steel, cast concrete, and timber. Before the renovation, the house had remained largely untouched since the 1970s, retaining its original structural elements like masonry, timber framework, and exposed concrete. However, its layout was inefficient, marked by a ground-floor garage that created an awkward entrance and a constricted kitchen/dining area. The original design also featured excessive storage and limited daylight connection to the street, with most rooms facing the rear garden. Archmongers addressed these issues by extending the ground floor and converting the garage into more functional living spaces. A new in-situ cast concrete extension at the rear significantly expanded the kitchen and dining areas on the lower level. This extension's insulated slab not only provides thermal insulation but also forms a new garden terrace, which doubles as a structural foundation to help distribute the load of both the existing and new facades. The flat roof of this extension was designed to accommodate a green roof at the first-floor level, contributing to the home's sustainability and biodiversity. The renovation focused on opening up the three-floor structure to create a more spatially vertical feel. Plasterboard walls were removed to reveal the underlying structural logic of the house, making its various elements more legible. The underside of the stairs was exposed to enhance spatial clarity, and strategically placed internal windows were incorporated to introduce sight lines and flood the interior with natural light. The rear elevation was further opened up with sliding doors at ground level and a large new window on the first floor, offering views of the new green roof from the living room. The design draws inspiration from Northern European modernism, with specific references to architectural works in Hybschmann’s native Denmark, including Wohlert’s Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Finn Juhl’s house in Ordrup, and Arne Jacobsen’s Søholm houses, as well as Alvar Aalto’s homes in Finland. The interior design features a harmonious blend of gray brick, white-washed walls, and natural timber finishes. These are complemented by bold accents of red in the exposed steel beams, columns, and handrails, and by the terra-cotta tiles used on the lower floor. Repeated rectilinear motifs are consistently applied throughout the material arrangement, contributing to a unified aesthetic. In terms of exterior enhancements, the rear garden and the wildflower green roof were planted with indigenous species. A new, small pond was added to encourage local wildlife. The planting scheme, designed by Anita Freeman, specifically aims to boost biodiversity within the property’s limited footprint. The renovation successfully transformed a dated 1970s house into a modern, energy-efficient home that maximizes natural light and space while maintaining a strong connection to its natural surroundings and modernist architectural principles. #LondonRenovation #SeventiesRowHouse #ArchitecturalRenovation #EnergyEfficiency #ModernistDesign #GreenRoof #ExposedMaterials #NaturalLight #SustainableDesign

Nimtim Architects designed an extension for a 1960s house in Forest Hill, southeast London, featuring a steeply terraced garden, parquet flooring, and blue-stained woodwork. The project, named Terraced Terrace, addressed the family's need for more space for their teenage children and a home office after a previous loft extension application was denied. The primary challenge was the property's steeply sloping rear garden, which Nimtim Architects creatively transformed into a usable area. The extension is constructed from red brick, complementing the original 1960s brickwork and brown geometric tiling of the existing three-storey house. It includes a new lounge and a study space. The study features an integrated linoleum-lined desk and a drop-down bed for guests, maximizing functionality within the new footprint. A small wood-burning stove serves as a focal point in the living area, while the desk is strategically placed in front of sliding glazing to provide garden views and natural light. Connecting the interior with the outdoors, the sliding glazing allows the new lounge to open onto a sunken patio. Beyond this, the newly landscaped garden incorporates parquet paving and raised planting beds made from the same red brick as the extension. To manage the project's £75,000 budget, timber sleepers were used instead of concrete for additional level changes in the garden, offering a cost-effective yet aesthetically pleasing solution. Inside the extension, simple white shelves are fitted into an alcove beside the chimney breast. Their staggered arrangement mirrors the pattern of the exposed brick wall and ties into the white-painted woodwork found throughout the rest of the house. The existing internal layout was also reconfigured, with the integrated ground-floor garage removed to make way for an en-suite bathroom, subtly concealed behind blue-stained plywood joinery. This pale blue cabinetry extends below the staircase, providing additional storage space. A new garage was subsequently built in front of the house. Oak parquet flooring is laid throughout the new entrance hall, extending into the rear lounge and study area. This continuous flooring choice visually unifies the original and new sections of the house. The use of herringbone-patterned brickwork and parquet reflects popular design trends in London homes, as seen in other recent projects such as a Victorian house extension in Hackney and a studio block in New Cross with a patterned facade. The architectural firm, Nimtim Architects, comprising Nimi Attanayake and Tim O'Callaghan, successfully delivered a practical and aesthetically cohesive extension despite site constraints and budget limitations, enhancing the living and working spaces for the family. #ResidentialExtension #LondonArchitecture #NimtimArchitects #TerracedGarden #ParquetFlooring #StainedWoodwork #HomeOffice #AdaptiveReuse #RedBrick #InteriorDesign

Lauren and Jason Muir embarked on a significant renovation of their 1900-built Parkside home after returning to Adelaide from London and Sydney. The couple purchased the property in its original condition in late 2020, with renovation plans beginning almost immediately. However, due to pandemic-related delays and council approvals, construction didn't commence until two years later. Lauren, a strategy executive at Westpac, expressed the importance of honoring the home's 1900 heritage while integrating a modern aesthetic, a design philosophy inspired by Victorian homes in London's southwest. A key design objective was to create a seamless transition between the original structure and the new extension. This was achieved by extending the original timber floors throughout the house and meticulously matching architectural details like architraves. The couple also focused on cohesive styling, using art to introduce color and enhance flow between the old and new sections of the home. The front of the house retained its original character, while the rear extension was designed to complement it with a contemporary feel. The renovation project involved collaboration with The Building Company and Mavtect Designs, successfully navigating council requirements that mandated the extension not be visible from the street. Specific features desired by the couple included a wine cellar, which Jason envisioned as a space where one could walk down and be enveloped by wine. Lauren's primary desire for the living space was an abundance of natural light. While the front of the house, with its older structure and tree coverage, remained darker, the extension was designed to maximize light, leading to the creation of a seven-meter raked ceiling and a large wall of glass. This architectural choice not only floods the living area with light but also provides a view of the century-old hedge in the backyard, which offers significant privacy and a natural green wall effect. Outdoor spaces were also a crucial component of the renovation. With the help of Husk Projects and Evoke Outdoors for landscaping, Lauren and Jason created dedicated outdoor entertaining areas and a sauna area. The sauna was specifically inspired by Sequoia Lodge, aiming to replicate its serene garden setting where one could relax after using the sauna, creating a retreat-like atmosphere. The Parkside home became a labor of love, offering a convenient urban lifestyle, with easy access to parklands and local amenities. Despite their affection for the renovated Parkside home, the Muir family is now moving to Stirling in pursuit of more space for their young children. Their new 1920s home also requires renovation, signaling Lauren's continued preference for restoring older properties over new builds. The sale of the Parkside property, located at 9 Douglas Street, is being managed by Georgie Todd and Alexandra Green of Harris Real Estate, marking the end of one project and the beginning of another for the family. #HeritageHome #ParksideRenovation #ModernExtension #ArchitecturalDesign #LuxuryLiving #HomeRenovation #AdelaideRealEstate #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving

Szczepaniak Astridge has completed a rooftop extension for Leaf House, a terraced property in south London owned by architectural photographer Edmund Sumner and writer Yuki Sumner. The loft extension serves as a peaceful master bedroom retreat, featuring a distinctive wooden bath positioned strategically against a large window, offering views across the London skyline. The design ethos prioritizes simplicity and calm, moving away from conventional loft conversions that often maximize storage or create compartmentalized spaces. Edmund Sumner, having photographed numerous attic extensions, sought to avoid the common issues of inadequate insulation and cluttered layouts, aiming instead for an open and serene environment. The inclusion of the timber bath with a view was inspired by his experiences in Japan. The loft space is characterized by its open-plan layout, with the staircase leading directly into the bedroom and no dividing walls between the bathing area and the sleeping quarters. A tall headboard for the bed defines a section of the room, leaving the remaining space intentionally open. Edmund Sumner highlights the uniqueness of this approach, emphasizing the deliberate use of empty space, which he attributes to architect Simon Astridge's understanding of 'ma,' the Japanese concept of interstitial space. This design choice stands in contrast to typical attic conversions that tend to partition the area into smaller, enclosed sections. The material palette for the loft extension reflects a commitment to Japanese interior design principles and sustainability. The roof and walls are covered in clay, and timber is used for the structure, complemented by good insulation. Yuki Sumner notes the incorporation of Japanese influences, such as the concept of transitioning from darkness to light, realized through a tunnel-like entry, and the waxed teak bath. These material selections and design philosophies were aimed at creating a tactile and environmentally conscious living space. Beyond the master bedroom, the loft conversion was part of a larger renovation of the terrace's upper floors. The project aimed to create additional bedrooms for the Sumners' children, thereby freeing up space for both Edmund and Yuki to work from home. This expansion resulted in a five-bedroom house, significantly enhancing their ability to work productively from their residence. The children's bedrooms were finished with materials similar to the master suite, featuring half-clay walls extending to the ceiling and half-cork walls that continue onto the floor. The cork provides a functional surface for pinboards, and all rooms are furnished with birch plywood. Edmund and Yuki Sumner, both with extensive experience covering architecture, gained considerable insight into the profession through this personal project. Edmund Sumner remarked that the 20-week process taught him more about the industry than his 20 years of professional work, offering a unique perspective from the client's side. The project was executed by Szczepaniak Astridge, with Webb Yates as the engineer and Q Projects as the contractor. Key collaborators included Luke Chipfix Furniture, Clayworks Plasters, Guy Valentine for clay application, William Garvey for the bath, and Wo and we collection for lighting. Photography for the project was provided by Edmund Sumner. #ResidentialExtensions #LondonHouses #LoftConversion #JapaneseDesignInfluence #SustainableMaterials #OpenPlanLiving #ArchitecturalPhotography #SzczepaniakAstridge #EdmundSumner

This article details the renovation of Lisa O’Hagan and Jonathan Bishop's East London home, a Georgian coach house built in 1890. The couple purchased the end-of-terrace property in 2018, attracted by its unconventional wedge shape and three outdoor spaces: a cobbled courtyard, a roof terrace, and a back garden. Their vision was to transform the existing layout, which included a large ground-floor garage and studio with a two-bedroom property above, into a more functional and aesthetically pleasing family home. The renovation involved relocating the first-floor kitchen and living rooms to the ground floor, converting the upstairs into four bedrooms, and adding a guest bathroom on the ground floor and a family bathroom upstairs. The initial phase of the project, spanning five months, saw Lisa and Jon undertake significant demolition work themselves, including removing walls and stripping interior fittings to create an open-plan ground floor. A key design element was enhancing natural light in the downstairs area, which previously lacked windows between the garage doors. This was achieved by installing bespoke floor-to-ceiling glass and steel doors at the front, connecting the interior to the courtyard and flooding the space with light. Jonathan also meticulously removed paint from a back wall to expose the original brickwork, contributing to the room's rustic character. The industrial aesthetic of the ground floor is further emphasized by a polished heated concrete floor in the living area. Jonathan, a skilled carpenter, constructed steps leading to the kitchen and birch room dividers to subtly delineate different zones within the open space. The kitchen features a utilitarian design with a single run of fitted birch ply units, maximizing the use of unusual angles. Terrazzo and cork tiles were incorporated on the walls and floor, providing warmth and texture, while a table made from salvaged roof timbers adds a rustic contrast to the kitchen's simple palette. The choice of cork flooring was driven by its warmth, sustainability, and acoustic properties. Upstairs, the modern bathroom was created by reconfiguring space from two existing rooms, incorporating a skylight and a walk-in shower. A vintage sideboard was repurposed into a sink unit, reflecting the couple's preference for unique, mid-century pieces. The bathroom's design is cohesive, utilizing terrazzo tiles and black paint, with a full-length skylight ensuring ample natural light. The nursery for their son, Cillian, features a simple pine cot, an armchair, a bright green accent wall, and a vintage aeroplane shelf. The old first-floor living room was converted into an office and workspace for Lisa's vintage fashion business. The entire home is furnished with vintage and mid-century pieces, reflecting the couple's shared aesthetic and their belief in organically acquiring furniture. The project costs were detailed, with significant allocations for building work and materials, glazing, and concrete flooring. The couple expressed pride in their unique family home, highlighting the successful integration of quirky design elements, vintage finds, and practical solutions to create a functional and characterful living space. #EastLondonHome #GeorgianCoachHouse #HomeRenovation #VintageDecor #OpenPlanLiving #IndustrialInterior #DIYHomeImprovement #SustainableMaterials #MidCenturyDesign