Set in a conservation area in Hackney, London, this proposal for a new single-storey rear and side extension to a Victorian terrace house aims to create a larger kitchen and living space for the clients as well as improving the connection between the ground floor spaces.

This project has a slightly unconventional approach to the layout of the ground floor, with the kitchen, usually at the back of the house contained within the closet wing, positioned in the front room and linked to the centrally located dining area. This leaves the new extension to provide a cosy reading area and large living area to the the rear of the house which has a direct relationship with the garden.

The design respects the roof line of the original closet wing and also preserves the notion of the closet wing with the rear extension not running full width but set back at the side return.

The materials used are also unusual, pink coloured concrete is used to construct the rear extension and is left exposed internally, its imperfections and visible aggregate give texture and character to the space, providing a unique backdrop to the client's eclectic furnishings.

The floorboards are Douglas fir, as is the joinery around the living area which adds further texture to the palette of materials.

In the dining area, an intricately decorated wood-burning stove has been installed in the existing fireplace and a pale pink Formica faced plywood kitchen with terrazzo worktop complement the bare plaster walls of the kitchen and patina of the existing stripped pine window surrounds.

London stock bricks which match the existing house are used for the side return extension and are also exposed internally adding another texture to the interior.
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The new living spaces are lit with daylight from the glazed doors and glazed roof above the side return, as well as through a roof light above the winter garden which provides ambience to the sunken seating area located adjacent to it. This winter garden also acts as a buffer between the garden and the living area and merges the inside and outside space, on warm days the sliding doors to the winter garden can be opened up to the main garden and the boundaries are blurred further.

Rich and eclectic interiors contrast with the contemporary detailing of the extension. The living area is designed around a comfy, mid-century style sunken seating area, which provides a space for relaxation and conversation.