Comment - Lessons from retrofitting an Edwardian terrace

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 the transformation of a five-bedroom Edwardian property in southwest London, where homeowners sought a larger, more connected kitchen and better access to their garden. The existing kitchen was cramped and detached, lacking direct outdoor access, a significant drawback for a family with young children. To address these issues, the owners engaged architect Alex Bilton of Abhra. The project involved demolishing the original kitchen and an outdated extension to build a new six-meter-deep extension. A key challenge was designing this large open-plan space without unduly affecting neighboring terraced houses, which follow a stepped design. Alex Bilton emphasized the importance of early communication with neighbors to ensure a smoother construction process and prevent potential disputes. The new single-story extension spans the full width of the garden. Its facade features traditional hanging clay tiles in terracotta and grey, arranged in a hexagonal pattern to create a modern yet sympathetic finish that complements the host building’s exterior cladding. This design approach ensures the contemporary addition integrates harmoniously with the period context. The architects carefully managed the extension's footprint, stepping it away from the boundary to create a pantry nook and pitching the roof towards neighbors to minimize visual impact and lower eaves height at the boundary. Inside, the open-plan space is divided into a dining area and a built-in kitchen featuring a large island. Tall kitchen units and a bar are situated under the lowest part of the roof, with the island in the tallest section. Glazing plays a crucial role in defining zones and maximizing natural light; a five-meter-long high-level clerestory window floods the dining area with illumination. The roof structure is exposed above the dining table to add character and height. A poured concrete floor with underfloor heating provides comfort and contributes to an interior scheme that blends industrial, contemporary, and period elements. Maximizing natural light was a primary request from the homeowners. The roof design incorporates clerestory windows and fixed skylights, ensuring passive solar gain during winter and drawing brightness deep into the interior. The decor is predominantly neutral, featuring warm wood materials that soften the white walls and beams, directing focus towards the garden views. Built-in storage, including a bespoke unit and a wine fridge, optimizes space and maintains tidiness. These elements were integrated from the initial design phase, arising from the need to mitigate the extension's impact on adjacent properties. Views into the original part of the house are unobstructed, with timber flooring in the living area demarcating spaces. Two openings connect the original property to the new kitchen-diner: a larger one from the formal living room and a narrower one to the entry hall. Cleverly positioned glazing helps transmit light to the front of the house. The central kitchen island serves as a practical cooking and prep area and a social hub, with bar stools providing an informal dining spot. An oriel window, protruding into the garden, creates a cozy window seat that connects indoor and outdoor spaces, inviting relaxation. The cooking area features versatile cladding that pays homage to the period heritage while complementing the modern shaker style. Before the renovation, the Edwardian property had an existing rear extension that was poorly connected to the garden and had a disjointed internal layout. The goal was to create a distinctly modern extension that respected and celebrated the traditional elements of the original building, located in a conservation area. Architect Alex Bilton's advice for extension projects includes using angled roof designs for better drainage, exposing structural elements for texture, positioning skylights strategically, adjusting roof heights to create higher ceilings, and incorporating insulation or solar panels for energy efficiency. This project exemplifies how a sympathetic yet contemporary approach can successfully update a classic terraced home. #EdwardianProperty #TerracedExtension #KitchenDesign #OpenPlanLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #NaturalLight #HomeRenovation #SustainableDesign #InteriorDecor

Daniel Cox, an account and content creator, along with his partner Nick Hodgkins, who works in marketing, embarked on a budget-friendly renovation of their hallway in a three-bed Edwardian terrace in Leytonstone, London. Their inspiration was drawn from the luxurious ambiance of hotel lobbies, particularly NoMad London, which features dark, moody colors, extensive planting, mirrors, and warm lighting. They aimed to incorporate these elements to transform their own hallway, which previously had three shades of grey walls, a thick grey carpet, and fluorescent white overhead lighting, lacking the stylish impression they desired for the entrance to their home. The renovation process proved to be more labor-intensive than initially anticipated. It began with removing the existing carpet and staining the floorboards a deep ebony to achieve a darker, more sophisticated look. The stairs and the area below the dado rail were painted in 'Black Glass' by Elle Decoration x Crown, while the upper walls were finished in a neutral stony shade. To reintroduce period features, the couple learned to install wall paneling using online tutorials, a skill they proudly mastered. A significant cost-saving measure was their DIY approach to the stair runner; they purchased a runner for £90 on Gumtree and installed it themselves using adhesive strips and a staple gun, inspired by YouTube guides. Brass stair rods were added to enhance the luxurious feel. Addressing the challenge of brightening the space despite the dark color palette, they strategically placed large mirrors, paneled to appear built-in, to reflect light. Brass candle sconces were installed alongside the mirrors for ambient lighting. For privacy at the glass front door, sheer linen curtains were hung on a cheap tension pole, which also introduced a soft texture to the space. The final DIY project involved creating MDF shelves, costing £10 each, and adding brass rails to them to complement the other brass elements in the hallway, ensuring a cohesive design. Daniel noted that learning skills such as paneling, laying a stair runner, and sanding floorboards resulted in significant savings on labor costs. The main challenge encountered was the sheer amount of labor and time required, especially after a full day of work. The entire project took approximately two months, a longer duration than if professionals had been hired, but significantly cheaper. The couple expresses particular satisfaction with how the space transforms throughout the day: bright with natural light in the morning, evolving into a sophisticated, private members' club atmosphere in the evening with the sconces and curtains. The total cost of the renovation was £1,199, covering materials such as the stair runner (£90), stair rods (£90), paint (£40), floor stain (£30), paneling (£60), shelves (£20), brass railings (£60), ceiling light and lamps (£289), wall sconces (£40), curtains (£40), mirrors (£380), and a vase (£60). #HallwayMakeover #BudgetRenovation #DIYHomeImprovement #EdwardianTerrace #InteriorDesign #LondonHome #PeriodFeatures #GlamorousDecor #StairRunner

Architect Alexandra Barker of Barker Freeman Design Office undertook a comprehensive renovation of a century-old, 20-foot-wide one-family house in Windsor Terrace, located outside a historic district. This allowed for a radical modernization of the structure. The exterior, which previously featured fake stone cladding, was entirely re-clad with tongue and groove white cedar siding, giving the house a contemporary aesthetic. The project involved a complete overhaul of the wood-frame structure, with a focus on optimizing interior space, natural light, and modern functionality. A key design decision was the relocation of the main staircase to the party wall. This strategic move opened up the exposed wall, allowing for the integration of numerous windows, significantly enhancing natural light within the home. Further brightening the interiors are generous skylights and strategically placed glazed corners, which contribute to an open and airy feel throughout the house. The interior palette is kept light and neutral with white oak floors. The kitchen, positioned at the rear of the main floor, is designed for discretion, with appliances hidden from view in the living room while maintaining a visual connection to the space. The kitchen features IKEA cabinets complemented by mahogany-veneer fronts from Semihandmade, Caesarstone countertops, and Ann Sacks backsplash tiles. A small extension at the rear of the main floor was added to create additional space for a home office and pantry storage. The front entry is defined by a rectangle of gray-stained cedar that wraps around an exposed corner, incorporating integrated planters and an overhang for weather protection. The front door leads directly into a mudroom area equipped with closets and a bench, allowing occupants to shed outerwear before entering the main living space. The existing bumped-out extension in front of the house was retained after proving its original presence through tax photos. Throughout the house, windows are wrapped around corners at both the front and rear, maximizing light and views. Storage solutions, such as asymmetrical built-ins around the fireplace, feature closed cabinets below and open shelving above, maintaining an uncluttered appearance. All windows and doors were sourced from Anderson. The bathrooms are distinctively designed with graphic patterns of blue and white ceramic tiles, including hexagonal tiles from Nemo Tile in the children’s bath and patterned floor tiles from Clé with wall tiles from Classic Tile in the master bath. A small downstairs powder room features patterned ceramic tile from Clé on one wall. The new staircase, constructed with white oak treads and railing and painted steel spindles, provides a modern focal point. The master suite at the front of the house incorporates an airlock system with two separate pocket doors to provide sound insulation. Both children’s bedrooms also benefit from wrapping corner windows. The basement features a rec room with vinyl tile flooring from Armstrong, installed without the need for excavation. The house also benefits from a four-foot-wide side yard, a feature afforded by its end-of-row position, and an existing side extension which offered interesting configuration possibilities. #WindsorTerrace #ModernArchitecture #CedarSiding #GlazedCorners #HomeRenovation #BrooklynDesign #AlexandraBarker #BarkerFreemanDesignOffice

This article highlights the successful remodel of a Tudor-revival style home, originally a carriage house built in 1902, by the design team Kaminski + Pew. The property, located in Philadelphia, had undergone several less tasteful renovations over the years, losing some of its original charm and functionality. The new clients, an older couple relocating from Iowa to be closer to their children, sought a home that honored its history while supporting single-floor living as they aged. The core challenge was that the house was in an "upside-down" configuration, with a dance studio on the first floor and all primary living spaces, including the kitchen, located on the second floor. Kaminski + Pew began the project by thoroughly cataloging the existing details of the home. They identified and appreciated original features such as diamond lattice windows, heavy stonework, tin ceilings, rounded plaster walls, and substantial wood wainscoting. Their primary goal was to restore these elements and ensure that any new additions blended seamlessly with the historical context. The previous insensitive renovations were carefully reversed, and the existing wood floors were sanded and stained a rich chestnut to add sophistication. Damaged or missing trim and wainscoting sections were meticulously rebuilt or matched. The most significant aspect of the renovation involved moving the main living functions to the ground floor. The ground floor, previously a large open space due to its original use as a carriage house and later a dance studio, needed to be reconfigured to accommodate a kitchen, living area, dining room, and a new ground-floor bedroom and bathroom. To achieve a more intimate scale appropriate for a couple, the designers introduced two modest wing walls and a gentle arched opening to delineate the kitchen from the living/dining area. The tin ceiling and wainscoting were extended and adapted to make these new architectural elements appear original. A bold design choice for the kitchen involved selecting Rookwood Red from Sherwin-Williams for the cabinetry. Initially, the clients preferred neutral tones, but the designers persuaded them by drawing inspiration from the home’s red shingle roof and deep red front door, thus integrating the color into the home’s existing palette. For the countertops, a leathered granite was chosen for its soapstone-like appearance, offering durability and lower maintenance compared to actual soapstone. The kitchen also features an antique table sourced from a local auction, chairs from Fourhands, a pendant light from Visual Comfort, and sconces from Hudson Valley Lighting, with appliances from Bosch and a Wolf induction cooktop. Addressing the challenges of an old home, particularly the existing tin ceiling, required innovative solutions. While preserving the tin ceiling added texture and scale, it also presented difficulties when adding new lighting. The team discreetly installed new surface-mounted lighting by routing wires through the ceiling joists above the tin. A fabricator and installer were found to match existing profiles, ensuring that the new electrical work was indistinguishable from the original. Furthermore, a poorly placed spiral staircase that served as the only access to the second floor was removed and replaced with a more gracious stair located off the entryway, enhancing both safety and flow. The redesigned bathrooms feature dark wooden vanities with veined marble countertops and pale blue paneled walls with large mirrors, marble sinks, and gold lighting fixtures. Ultimately, the project transformed a neglected Tudor-style property into a warm and welcoming home that respects its historical narrative while providing modern functionality for its residents. The designers successfully blended past and present, creating a timeless space that meets the client's needs for comfortable single-floor living. #HomeRenovation #TudorRevival #HistoricPreservation #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #SingleFloorLiving #ArchitecturalRenovation #HomeTours

This article details the extensive renovation of a freestanding wood-frame house in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, undertaken by Studio Lyon/Szot. The project transformed a dilapidated structure into a modern, functional, and sustainable home, blending elements of new construction with a significant overhaul of the existing building. The renovation effectively expanded the house by adding a two-story, 500-square-foot rear addition, resulting in a total of 2,200 square feet. The architects faced numerous challenges due to the poor condition of the original structure, which necessitated removing the entire facade and rebuilding from the foundation up, retaining only some rough framing. The house's unique freestanding nature, with alleyways on both sides, allowed for the incorporation of numerous windows, maximizing natural light and ventilation, a rare feature in Brooklyn homes. The design process involved extensive zoning and code reviews to capitalize on these opportunities for light and air. Inside, the design emphasizes open, flowing spaces on the ground floor to encourage family interaction, while the upper floor provides private spaces for individual family members. A key sustainable feature is an innovative fresh air system designed to filter pollutants and create an allergen-free environment within the home. The exterior features Hardie board, a fiber cement siding material that is maintenance-free, in a dark, sophisticated shade, drawing inspiration from traditional East Coast board and batten siding. The kitchen, located at the front of the house, was intentionally placed to benefit from natural light and a street-facing window. To maintain an open feel, upper cabinets were omitted, and a part of the ceiling was strategically lowered to conceal HVAC ductwork. Gray Caesarstone was used for both countertops and a wide backsplash, contributing to a sleek and cohesive aesthetic. A large, multi-functional storage unit, described as a "Swiss army knife of utility closets," incorporates white oak millwork and provides extensive storage for various household items, from food to toys and files. This millwork, designed by Studio Lyon/Szot and fabricated by Cabinet Joint, offered significant cost savings compared to custom options, arriving flat-packed for contractor assembly. The living room is slightly sunken, which enhances the view into the garden. Seating is provided by an affordable custom sofa from Clad Homes, and a dedicated music area is positioned near a fire-rated window. The primary bedroom on the second floor features a custom built-in unit made from leftover kitchen cabinetry. Two additional bedrooms are located on this level for the children. Access to the roof is facilitated by a visually distinctive staircase with alternating treads, a more aesthetic and functional solution than a traditional ladder. The roof also houses solar panels from Brooklyn SolarWorks, contributing to the home's energy efficiency. The renovation project successfully combines modern design principles with sustainable features and practical functionality, creating a shipshape and environmentally conscious living space. #WindsorTerrace #HomeRenovation #SustainableDesign #OpenPlanLiving #ModernArchitecture #BrooklynRealEstate #InteriorDesign #EnergyEfficiency #CustomMillwork

Owen Ow and Elaine Chew purchased a former bed and breakfast in Sydney's Forest Lodge, attracted by its proximity to their children's school and the potential to blend modern and historic design elements. The Victorian terrace, though charming with its large backyard and space for a pool, was initially characterized by a fragmented layout with numerous compartmentalized bedrooms, lacking cohesive living areas suitable for a family. They enlisted Shaun Carter and Julie Niass of Carter Williamson Architects to transform the space. The couple's vision involved retaining the original features in the front section of the house while transitioning into a modern, open-plan living area at the rear. The architects focused on enhancing the quality and connectivity of the spaces, achieving this by removing several walls and an unnecessary staircase. The new open-plan layout integrates the kitchen, dining, and living areas, with exquisitely handcrafted joinery used to subtly delineate these zones. Throughout the renovation, a warm and neutral color palette was maintained. Elaine's preference for ornamental pieces and Owen's inclination towards minimalism resulted in a balanced aesthetic. A peachy ochre paint, Dulux 'Kangaroo Pouch', was selected for the dining area, a decision that involved considerable deliberation to achieve the desired warm undertone. The new living area is anchored by terrazzo flooring, complemented by timber, marble, and brass elements, which provide a subtle contrast to the family's collection of colorful artworks, soft furnishings, and plants. Each item within the home was chosen for its personal significance, contributing to a space filled with stories and memories. Curved features are a recurring design motif, evident in the timber dowel and marble-topped kitchen island, which also incorporates built-in storage. The dining area continues this theme with curved joinery, shelves, and a rounded dining table and stools, alongside an arched entrance. A steel-clad archway and a brick step distinctively mark the transition between the older and newer sections of the home, creating a symbolic threshold into the heart of the residence. Strategic design choices brought natural light into previously dark areas. The bathroom features Ming green fishscale tiles and a Flos 'S1' suspension light, evoking a sense of calm and serenity. The primary bedroom offers abundant natural light and overlooks the backyard, creating a peaceful retreat. The design prioritizes a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, particularly benefiting warmer months, allowing the family to fully enjoy the pool and outdoor spaces. The design principles emphasize creating warmth in a neutral scheme through specific elements: choosing paint colors with warm undertones like peach, cream, terracotta, latte, or taupe; incorporating soft lighting through wall lights, pendants, and lamps to foster relaxation; and using decor with soft, tactile textures such as linen, velvet, microsuede, ceramics, and timber accents. This thoughtful approach has successfully transformed the Victorian terrace into a spacious, functional, and inviting family home that combines modern living with historical charm. #VictorianTerrace #HomeRenovation #NeutralPalette #ModernDesign #OpenPlanLiving #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalTransformation #FamilyHome #SydneyHomes

Trudy Cross, owner of homeware company Tin Design, undertook a significant renovation of her Edwardian terraced house in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. Living with her husband Barry and their two children, Amelie and Joseph, and two dogs, the original kitchen was small, dingy, and unsuitable for their family's needs. The separate dining room and utility area were dark and unsociable, making it difficult to interact while meals were being prepared. Trudy envisioned an open-plan, family-friendly kitchen-diner that offered ample space, natural light, and a direct view of the garden from the kitchen, extending the sightline from the front of the house. The renovation involved knocking down walls between the kitchen, dining room, and utility area to create a single, expansive space. This structural change was more complex and costly than anticipated, requiring additional steel support for an upstairs chimney breast. The project also included replumbing, rewiring, replastering, fitting a new boiler, laying a new floor, and installing a side window and back doors. The entire process took 10 weeks, during which the family remained in the house, setting up a makeshift kitchen in the living room. Dust infiltration was a major challenge throughout the house. Despite an initial desire for a wall of full-height units, Trudy compromised on removing a chimney breast due to added expense and potential project delays, which would have also necessitated a Party Wall Agreement. This led to some units being shallower than ideal, though Trudy found this practical for her height. The concrete island presented a challenge, requiring the concrete to be poured twice after the first attempt bowed under the weight, and taking a week to dry. Delays in the delivery of bespoke back doors also left the space in semi-darkness for several weeks. Trudy describes her interior style as eclectic, blending new and old pieces with contemporary items and antiques. She incorporated a dark ceiling in the kitchen, mirroring a design choice from her living room, but balanced it with white walls and cupboards to prevent the room from feeling overpowered. Key updates in the new space include industrial-style spot lighting over the hob, hardwearing satin finish paint behind the cooker for easy cleaning, and white oak flooring throughout the food preparation, dining, and relaxation areas to create a cohesive flow and draw the eye towards the garden. The island unit features a concrete worktop, adding an industrial touch, while natural foliage and flowers introduce organic color. Clever zoning with darker shades in the food prep area and a nude pink in the seating area defines different functions within the open space. Floor-to-ceiling cupboards maximize storage and eliminate dust traps. The new layout allows for a clear view from the front of the house to the back garden. The linear nature of the space is softened by distinct zones for food preparation, eating, and seating. A central kitchen island provides extensive prep surfaces while maintaining clear pathways. The total cost of the renovation, excluding labor for some aspects, amounted to £15,164, covering kitchen units and doors, the concrete worktop, cooker, sink, tap, flooring, and a radiator. #KitchenRenovation #OpenPlanLiving #HomeMakeover #EdwardianTerrace #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #BudgetRenovation #BeforeAndAfter

AOC, a London-based architecture firm, has extensively remodelled an Edwardian semi-detached house in Golders Green, North London, transforming it into a family home known as the Hearth House. The project aimed to update a property that had remained largely untouched since the 1940s, addressing its previous issues of being dark, spatially undifferentiated, and retaining the residue of past residents. The clients, a couple with three teenage sons, sought a home tailored to their specific needs, enabling the potentially separate lives of the family members to coexist harmoniously and beneficially. The design process began with a 'spatial constitution' developed through conversations, acting as a bridge between the family's evolving needs and a concrete three-dimensional architectural proposal. The renovation significantly increased the usable floor area by 20% within the existing building footprint and dramatically re-ordered the internal spaces. A key design element is the introduction of a triple-height space that brings natural light into the previously dark, north-facing rooms. At the base of this light-filled void, a heated poured concrete hearth and a matching stair serve as a relaxed central hub for family life, suitable for both active and leisurely use. The concrete surface of the hearth and stair incorporates a parquet pattern, echoing the reclaimed chevron parquet flooring elsewhere in the house, thereby connecting an unfamiliar material with domestic and historical associations. Externally, the house maintains a familiar appearance, yet its character is subtly altered. Existing openings were retained, but all doors and windows were replaced with black-stained timber frames and single panes. This change enhances the perceived weightiness of the facade, shifts the scale to that of a larger dwelling, and significantly increases natural light penetration. The ground floor now features a series of open-sided rooms, designed to be visually connected by long sightlines while remaining distinct enough to accommodate various simultaneous activities, such as dinner parties, musical practice, and homework sessions. Upstairs, the layout reverts to a more traditional cellular form, providing private spaces for each family member. Thoughtful integration of nooks, internal windows, screens, and openings ensures that family members can easily engage with communal areas while maintaining their desired level of privacy. The staircase design is particularly innovative, combining multiple styles to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements. It features a Victorian-moulded timber balustrade for a formal ascent, a laser-cut plywood balustrade offering a more enclosed path to the bedrooms, and a modern open-tread steel stair leading to the attic, which maximizes natural light from above and creates a sense of lightness. Throughout the home, traditional domestic elements are re-appropriated for new uses; for example, stair balustrades support a desk, picture frames function as wardrobe handles, and a skirting board becomes a handrail. This collage of new and repurposed elements is unified with the existing structure through a consistent application of warm off-white paint, giving the home a sense of instant maturity and cohesion. #AOCArchitects #HearthHouse #EdwardianRenovation #LondonArchitecture #InteriorRedesign #ConcreteHearth #PlywoodStaircase #NaturalLight #FamilyHome #SuburbanRenovation

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

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

Digital creative and brand consultant Lucy Williams embarked on her first renovation project, transforming a Victorian terraced house in west London into a home that reflects her distinctive style. Despite initially not wanting a Victorian terrace, Williams and her husband, Ruaraidh, found a house in late 2020 that, while well-maintained, offered the scope for a significant renovation. Their previous home, a "cavernous" two-bedroom flat, prompted a desire for a change of pace and a project that hadn't been updated in decades. Williams collaborated with Chantal at Flower Michelin Architects to achieve a balance between preserving the house's original character and integrating contemporary design elements. The renovation process began with the kitchen, where Williams learned the intricate interconnectedness of design decisions, likening it to a game of Jenga. A key starting point for the kitchen's design was a window seat, envisioned as a comfortable spot for their dog, Finn, and a feature that would connect the indoor space with the generous, south-facing garden. The garden itself, a rare private outdoor space in London, was a significant draw for the couple and was transformed into a "mini English country garden" with the help of Butter Wakefield, featuring abundant alliums and aquilegia. The design ensures the garden is visible from all ground-floor rooms, integrating the outdoors into the home's overall feel. The overarching design philosophy for the house was practicality and comfort, aiming for a space where guests could relax without being overly cautious. Williams intentionally designed the home to suit their actual lifestyle, rather than an idealized, more chic fantasy. The living room, for instance, boasts a bold blue color palette complemented by a large orange Maker & Son sofa, catering to their shared love for television. The kitchen was designed with entertaining in mind. Williams allowed herself one 'fantasy' space: a second reception room located between the kitchen and living room, featuring a travertine fireplace and sheepskin-covered antique chairs, where she envisions enjoying an evening glass of whiskey. Inspiration for the home's aesthetic draws from diverse sources, including the Copenhagen home of Ganni founders Ditte and Nicolaj Reffstrup, and California-based Reath Design. This blend of Californian and Scandinavian influences is evident throughout the house. The main bedroom and bathroom exude a west coast vibe with their relaxed ambiance and neutral colors, featuring an enormous, waved headboard and a custom-designed wardrobe. In contrast, other areas like the spare bathroom and attic room showcase vibrant patterns and prints, reminiscent of Beata Heuman's style. The master en suite includes an arched microcement shower inspired by Mediterranean summers, while the vanity was custom-made to provide ample storage while maintaining a sense of space. The house also incorporates a mix of vintage and antique finds alongside bespoke pieces. Reclaimed flooring and tiles were extensively used, and furniture was sourced from auctions, markets, and vintage shops. Unique elements like the bespoke kitchen by Browson Design, painted in 'Sky Blue' with Beata Heuman hardware, and a custom red pendant light by Beata Heuman in the dining area, highlight Williams's bold use of color. The hallway features 'Soho Pink' walls and reclaimed quarry tiles, with a vintage pine wall light as a favorite find. The study combines a 1950s Gio Ponti desk with a vintage chair reupholstered in mustard cord and vintage Poul Cadovius wall shelves. Even practical spaces like the guest bathroom, with its geranium wallpaper, and the utility room, located upstairs for convenience, are thoughtfully designed. The loft bathroom, clad in tongue and groove panelling and painted in 'Cavendish Cream,' includes sauna lights and a vintage rope mirror, demonstrating attention to detail even in smaller spaces. Williams views the house not as a 'forever home' but as an adaptable space perfectly suited to their current needs, a testament to thoughtful, personalized design. #VictorianTerrace #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #WestLondonHouse #LucyWilliams #BoldColors #VintageFinds #GardenDesign #CustomFurniture

Alex Legendre, co-founder of I Gigi General Store in Hove, undertook the renovation of an Edwardian house in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, which had been owned by one person for 103 years. The property retained much of its original character, including Edwardian wallpaper, paint, and childhood graffiti, which Alex found appealing for its preserved historical essence. The move from a Brighton flat marked Alex’s first full house renovation, where she envisioned potential despite the house’s dark and gloomy initial state. She intended to utilize a decade's worth of accumulated antique and salvaged items, such as an old bath, original taps, chandeliers, antique fabrics, and decorative finds, reflecting her background with an antiques dealer father. The renovation project was executed within a tight six-week timeframe due to budget constraints. Alex personally contributed to tasks like sanding floors to their original condition, alongside installing new plumbing and electrics. The walls were finished with unpolished plaster, providing a textural backdrop for her eclectic collection of curios and furnishings. The wood throughout the property was stripped and bleached, embracing imperfections and the marks of time as elements of honesty and uniqueness. Notably, a small section of original wallpaper in the hall and childhood drawings upstairs were intentionally preserved, integrating these historical details into the home’s narrative. To enhance light and create a more contemporary flow, the ground floor underwent significant structural changes. A wall between the dining room and sitting room was removed, and the original corridor connecting the dining room to the kitchen was taken down. Furthermore, the cold room, pantry, galley, and larder were combined to form a single, expansive kitchen area. Upstairs, Alex designed a serene master bedroom and dressing room, a bedroom for her daughter Mizzy, and a compact yet stylish bathroom. The bathroom features reclamation finds juxtaposed against dramatic dark plaster walls, maintaining the home's distinctive aesthetic. The interior design scheme emphasizes natural materials and muted tones. Stoneware pots, linens, hemps, antique fabrics, and shearling throws contribute texture and depth. Indian and Turkish rugs and tapestries, with their faded hues, add softness and subtle color. Vintage finds, such as distressed leather chairs, weathered tables, galvanized metal containers, and foxed antique mirrors, serve as focal points in each room. The walls are minimally adorned, featuring occasional aged portraits or carvings, rather than personal photos. Instead, sculptural seed heads, dried flowers, and other natural elements collected locally are displayed, appreciated for the shadows they cast and the ease with which the look can be refreshed seasonally. Alex prioritizes comfort and welcome within her home, despite the presence of many treasured items. The antique fabric-covered sofas, though pale, are described as resilient and easily cleaned due to their natural fibers. The distinctive style evident in Alex’s home resonates with customers of I Gigi General Store, leading Alex and her business partner, Zoe Ellison, to expand into interior design services. Their approach focuses on creating beautiful, practical spaces tailored to individual lifestyles, offering a unique and personal aesthetic in a world increasingly moving towards homogeneity. The article concludes by inviting readers to visit I Gigi General Store and noting that this feature originated from Country Living Magazine. #HomeRenovation #EdwardianHouse #InteriorDesign #AntiqueFinds #RusticDecor #WestSussex #SustainableLiving #UniqueStyle #HistoricPreservation

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

This article details the renovation and extension of an unrenovated double-storey Victorian terrace in Fitzroy North, Melbourne, transformed by Figureground Architecture into a serene family home. The project, led by architect Matt Rawlins, was designed for a couple with two children, aiming to maximize space and functionality within the existing heritage structure and its surroundings. The house's original features, including its east–west orientation and a sufficiently long block, provided a solid foundation for the extensive renovation. The renovation strategy was executed in three distinct phases. The first phase involved replacing the existing lean-to structure at the rear with a new, full-width extension. This addition now accommodates a laundry room, powder room, a galley-style kitchen, and an open-plan living and dining area. This new space is characterized by its pavilion-like design, offering ample light and air, and is enriched with tactile surfaces that contribute to a contemporary aesthetic. A key design element in this transition is a joinery-lined vestibule, which discreetly conceals the laundry and powder room door within its cabinetry and uses angled storage along the northern boundary to guide occupants into the main living space. The kitchen, though compact, is highly functional, featuring sage-colored 2-pac overhead cabinets, a marble splashback and benchtop, and a fridge cleverly integrated into a joinery-wrapped column that also hides culinary items from view. A foldaway breakfast station within a timber joinery unit further helps manage clutter in the busy household. Drawing from his background in hospitality design, Matt Rawlins opted for an upholstered banquette along the northern wall in the dining area, paired with Thonet dining chairs, as a space-saving solution compared to a traditional freestanding dining table. The living zone extends this focus on integrated furniture with an east-facing daybed, capturing morning sun through a large pivoting window, and a low, marble-topped plinth along the southern wall for displaying personal items. The interior's material palette, including pine lining boards for ceilings and a combination of ivory-hued brickwork and American oak wall panelling for walls, underscores a commitment to craftsmanship and fine detailing. The second part of the strategy focused on the courtyard garden, which was envisioned as an extension of the interior living space. This lush garden is divided into paved and grassy sections, with low-maintenance shrubs and architectural elements like brick walls and timber battens extending the house’s design language outdoors, promoting an intimate connection between the indoors and outdoors. The final phase involved constructing a compact standalone building at the site’s eastern boundary, bookending the courtyard garden. This structure serves a dual purpose, housing a workshop on one side and a music studio on the other, catering to one client's musical pursuits. The music studio incorporates perforated plasterboard for acoustic control and cavity-sliding doors to minimize sound leakage, and it also functioned as a home office during the pandemic. The exterior of this secondary building also reflects Figureground’s focus on craft, featuring a distinctive roof form that effectively blocks sight lines from neighboring properties. Ultimately, the completed Fitzroy North House is noted for its surprising sense of calm, a quality attributed to the rigorous planning that shaped every volume, the meticulous detailing that optimized every element, and the serene, green courtyard garden that brings tranquility to the home's core. The project stands as an exemplar of how thoughtful design can reconfigure heritage houses for modern living while maintaining a sense of order and serenity. #VictorianTerrace #HomeRenovation #FiguregroundArchitecture #FitzroyNorth #InteriorDesign #CompactLiving #CustomJoinery #OutdoorLiving #Craftsmanship #FamilyHome