Clapham Common Townhouse

The design created axial views through the extended building footprint from the front door, through to the kitchen and main living space. The generously proportioned entrance gives way to the dining area which links together the front reception room and the kitchen. At the rear, the kitchen sits within a dramatic double-height space, capped by a bespoke aluminium framed roof light overhead that encloses the neighbouring property’s flank wall.

A first-floor opening above the kitchen creates the opportunity for a social and visual connection between the two levels. The arched bathroom ‘window’ also heightens the sense that the family can remain connected even when apart throughout the day. The design integrates the brickwork flank wall of the neighbouring house that helps to add rich texture to the space. Steel-framed Crittall glazed doors and windows revitalize the rear elevation, while a lightweight, timber pergola creates a canopy for food preparation and alfresco dining.

A robust material palette has been specified to withstand wear and tear. Insulated framed glazing with a U-value value of 1.3 W/m²K, helps to ensure good levels of airtightness, improving on the typical draughtiness of Victorian properties. The lofty proportions of the extension have been utilised to take advantage of the stack effect; cool air is drawn in at lower levels, pushed upwards as it’s warmed and expelled at upper level vents.

The fabric first approach employed sought to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Solar reflective coatings to the roof reflect as much as 57% of the sun’s heat energy to minimise excess solar gain while balancing the need for good daylight levels.

Annual CO2 emissions data (requested in kg/m2/year) was provided as follows: 4.0 Tonnes