Zinc Room

A beach-hut was the initial inspiration for the form of the extension, evoking memories of seaside holidays, to create a flexible social space that had a strong relationship with the outdoors. Built perpendicular to the back of the house, the extension encloses a sheltered northwest-facing patio, creating a sense of overlap between interior and exterior spaces, and maintaining a direct relationship between the existing house and the garden. Alterations to the Victorian house include remodelling the bathroom, creation of a downstairs WC, utility space and walk￾in larder across the middle of the plan, and removal of the wall between the existing kitchen and dining room. The sill of the old kitchen window was lowered, opening views through the house to the garden from the front door and creating a good spot to sit and read or drink a coffee. Small alterations to the rear façade, including removal of render and replacement of plastic casements with double-glazed and draught-sealed sash windows, strengthen the identity of the original house. Pre-patinated natural zinc cladding was carefully detailed to create a simple volume that contrasts with the Victorian house, establishing its identity as a pavilion located between the house and the garden. The autonomy of this ‘Zinc Room’, built around the dining table, is reinforced by the pitched internal ceiling that differentiates it from the rest of the house. A roof-light provides natural light and ventilation for the new kitchen area. Construction is timber frame. Both this and existing suspended timber floors are highly insulated. Oak doors on parliament hinges are double-glazed with anti-sun glass. Despite its modest proportions, the new interior feels spacious, integrating old with new and the garden.