Emil Eve architects have carried out a complete refurbishment of a four bed Victorian house with a ground floor rear extension and loft room for a young couple and their two pet cats.

The client wanted a space that would feel open, light and airy but which also have a sense of intimacy. The use of natural materials was also a request of the client and this informed the use of Douglas fir for the structure of the extension as well as the external cladding and interior joinery; this provides the spaces with warmth and emphasises the sense of intimacy whilst at the same time creating a cohesive palette throughout the house.

On the ground floor, the space is opened up to allow light into the plan through an internal courtyard and the back wall of the house is glazed to allow direct interaction with the garden. The rear wall is splayed on an angle to maximise solar orientation and the tall glazed doors and deep-framed timber windows direct natural light throughout the day and create framed views through and across the house.

In the courtyard, there is a concealed mirror between cladding slats which cleverly extends the exterior space and reflects light deep into the plan. Upstairs, a zinc clad roof extension creates a bright new bedroom with en suite.

Natural materials bring warmth and a sense of calm to the home. The breathable lime plaster walls give a soft texture to the changing light throughout the day, and earthy terracotta tiles in the back garden complement the colour and grain of the Douglas fir.

Close collaboration between the architects and builder allowed for refined detailing in the exposed timber structure, cladding and joinery. The bespoke crafted elements include an extra- deep window seat that curves along the full length of a wall to form an extended dining bench and a glazed screen wall which connects the piano room to the hall and stairs.

Sustainability was a guiding principle for the project, with a focus on low embodied carbon materials and breathable construction.

Waghorn Street was longlisted in the Don't Move Improve awards 2023.