This 1860s Victorian terrace lies within an East London Conservation Area. As well as full refurbishment of the house the proposal adds a new rear and side extension, reconfiguring the ground floor layout and making it more usable for modern life.

Often, with the addition of a side return extension is the issue of how to bring natural daylight into the deep floor plan that has been created, Feilden Fowles overcame this by adding a north facing rooflight which draws diffuse light down into the depth of the plan between expressed timber roof joists.

An important feature of the Architect's design can be seen throughout the house in their treatment of the existing building. All previous additions to the house have been carefully stripped back to reveal the original fabric of the Victorian architecture and room proportions have been retained.

A muted palette of materials is used. Concrete flooring in the kitchen sits against pale oiled timber flooring and exposed timber joists, white painted walls against bare pink plaster with the odd contrast of colour and texture brought in by a dark grey painted brick wall in the kitchen and dark grey painted sash windows in the original part of the building. Splashes of colour are left to the Clients' belongings such as paintings, armchairs and plants.

Externally, the extension has an unassuming presence with full height, full width sliding glazed doors with grey green painted frames which blend in with the tones of the planting. This is further complimented by the grey of the lead cladding above.

Despite the addition of a contemporary extension, the project sits comfortably in its surroundings, harmonising with the original house.

Hard landscaping for outside dining is located at the back of the garden for a sunny aspect while informal planting comes right up to the threshold of the new extension, bringing the garden into the house and blurring the boundaries between inside and out.