Client _
Mr Mark Newton
Location_
Hackney, London
Project Type _
02 Single Storey Rear extensions and complete interior refurbishment
Budget _
£2,000,000
Main Contractor _
The design is a bespoke single storey extension and single storey infill, both on the rear elevation, contemporary in theme within the grounds of 11, Ritson Road in London.
The existing property is a semi detached Victorian property and was built in circa 1860.
Completed within a 12 month build programme, the design is simple in form, and in line with the adjacent property to preserve the building line of the properties. The overall massing is also in line to that of the existing property and the ridge line follows the same order and does not exceed that of the original. The infill extension fills the void space that was previously viewed as 'lost space' in the overall garden.
The lean to roof has a selection of roof lights that sit on the ridge line from front to the back of the extension as it is critical to allow light into the space but at the same time allow the kitchen area to be comfortable and not overbearing from solar gain.
The design intention was to create architectural drama, anticipation and excitement through a well lit, open entrance hall catching a glimpse of the new proposal and being forced into a journey from the front door to the large open plan extension.
This was done by taking the wall out next to the staircase and part of the floor to the basement that serves as a new double height space. There is a hole cut into the wall between the existing and extension that allows visitors a view into the new design from beyond the front door.
Utilitarian areas are placed to the back of the extension such as the large storage/cloak area. The utility serves as a separate area and can be opened up to become part of the kitchen area by way of sliding door/wall that can be opened up /closed off at the client’s discretion. The W/C is accessed off the utility to provide a double line of protection from the open plan living area.
The kitchen and dining area are grouped together but equally serve as separate areas if required. The same principle applies to the entertainment and snug area which place more focus towards the garden and are grouped together for social events.
In terms of appearance the proposal has the same material palette to match the existing brickwork. The rear elevation preserves the same window proportions to that of the existing windows to provide balance of glass against brickwork so neither material is too overbearing.
The use of brickwork detail is essential to the success of the rear elevation. The recessed brick details within the elevation provides interest and depth to the elevation. The play on depth of the elevation also serves to create balance and break up what could potentially be seen as one mass expanse of brick if a recess was not introduced.
The rear elevation shows the recess brickwork occurs next to the windows. The idea was to keep the elevation treatment clean and clinical with just brick work and windows.
The existing elevation only serves one back door from the kitchen area and does not allow effective integration with the garden space. A set of sliding doors from the snug area that can be peeled back over the recessed brickwork to open out on to the garden area, and one fixed vertical window for maximum light again to encourage the use of the garden area and integrate inside/outside living.
A pop out glass box provides light into the breakfast area and also serves as a window seat for the client to relax, again, the size and proportion of this reflects that of the existing dining room window but stops short of going straight to the floor.
The project was deemed an overall success and was featured as an 8 page spread in Ideal Homes- Febuary 2022