Choumert House

From the first sketch we incorporated a striking material palette of cast concrete, charred timber cladding and reclaimed London brickwork, designed to sit unobtrusively within its urban environment.

The modest Victorian mid-terrace in south-east London was in a poor state of repair prior to the project's extensive refurbishment. The clients had already dismissed a project by another firm for which they had obtained prior planning permission, and instead sought from us an 'out-of-the-ordinary' single-storey wraparound extension to transform the dark, low-ceilinged kitchen, alongside exterior landscaping and a full refurbishment of the property.

Our design aimed to combat the darkening effect of the high walls and tree-lines either side of the property through an emphasis on height and light. To the exterior, concrete, zinc and charred timber cladding sit calmly within the facade, leading to wood-free, sustainable decking that mirrors the muted colour palette.

The interiors evolved in tandem with the external design, bringing in external features like reclaimed brick to the interior wall. The skylight and extensive roof glazing of the varied-height kitchen extension are detailed carefully to maximise space without obtrusive changes in sight lines or structural support.

Judicious use of joinery maximises the use of space in existing rooms, matched by a hidden downstairs WC. Remodelled and refurbished interconnecting spaces on the ground and first floors amplify light drawn in from the front and rear.

The project design avoided radical alterations to the remaining structure of the property, minimising costs and maximising efficiency. Instead, the thoughtful and understated design innovations of Choumert House create an overall effect significantly greater than the sum of its parts.