The Avenue

This project was an opportunity to illustrate how with a very limited budget, a 1970s property known affectionately by neighbours as the ‘ugly duckling’ could change its fortunes to become a spacious and sustainable contribution to the street.

The existing property was constructed in the 1970s as a two bedroom flat accessed by an rear stair, with a triple garage set below. A series of awkward level changes and later additions blocked access between the property and its small garden area.

The brief This project required the creation of a new four bedroom home that would be unique to our clients, a young family of Californian, and Finnish descent. This transformation was to be undertaken using a highly limited budget, and using environmentally sustainable materials and systems throughout.

Key requirements involved; two distinct office spaces for the clients who work from home, (a journalist and environmental consultant). There was a desire to create spaces that were open and light in addition to spaces for retreat that were darker and more intimate. A large family living area was required that benefited from the immediate garden area but also the wider garden setting to allow local wildlife to be viewed.

A new sauna, cool-off/shower area were also a pre-requisite Design methodology: ‘Retro-first’ The design aimed to up-cycle as much of the existing built structure as possible, avoid building extensions to reduce embodied energy impacts and costs. A 'Tardis': Rather than attempt to embellish the exterior the budget was directed toward the creation of a spatially rich interior within the relatively simple and prosaic shell.

Existing openings and the structure within the garage were re-appropriated to create a dramatic triple height hallway. Key conceptual touchstones were the intimacy of Finnish forest cabins and the light qualities of traditional Californian stucco homes.

‘Sunny-side up’: To save cost the existing kitchen was retained, and the upper level transformed into a new loft-like living space benefiting from a south facing aspect and views and access to light from the roof area. The roof area was opened to the living areas to create a new office mezzanine. The structure of the existing garages was utilised to create the new bedrooms on the ground floor with access to the small garden.

A new ‘thermal jacket’: A highly insulated front elevation and rear extension were incorporated. These pieces were clad in a dark charred timber finish. A complimentary contrast to the site: the project did not seek to mimic the adjacent Victorian and Edwardian properties. The new charred timber wrap marks a departure from the context but also relates to the dark timber detailing of existing arts and crafts properties.

The simplicity of the existing mid century detailing was expressed by reconfiguring rainwater goods and installing new flush glazing systems in combination with the charred cladding. This dark exterior aimed to contrast with a warm lighter interior. An accessible home for all - The property was designed to lifetime homes standards with in built adaptations for elderly family members.

Annual CO2 emissions data (requested in kg/m2/year) was provided as follows: The new extension exceeds the current UK energy fabric performance targets by 20%