Garden House

The form of the new extension was carefully considered to maximise natural light, enhance views, and create a seamless flow from the interior to the garden. It was equally important to design an extension that respected the character of the conservation area while incorporating contemporary detailing. The proposal sought to enhance the material quality of the house both aesthetically and sustainably. Bricks from the demolition process are reused for the rear extension, supplemented with reclaimed bricks, to ensure the successful integration of the new built fabric with the original building. A key feature of the design is the cantilevered corner above the main access to the garden. This creates a floating brick parapet when the large timber doors are fully opened, offering an uninterrupted transition between the interior living spaces and the garden. A "timber ribbon" of European Oak is integrated beneath the overhanging brickwork, which has been carefully detailed to minimise visual site lines and create a flush alignment between the internal linings and external brickwork. Coupled with the large timber doors, a sense of lightness and continuity is created to blur the boundaries between inside and outside. A wildflower green roof sits above the extension to help it blend into the surrounding garden, whilst also improving the thermal envelope of the building. Other energy efficiency measures are implemented by retrofitting insulation on the existing walls and the use of photovoltaic panels. By combining reclaimed materials with innovative design, the extension achieves a balance of environmental responsibility and architectural quality, delivering a crafted solution that feels both contemporary and rooted within its historical context.