RO-087_TELEGRAPH HILL
Pianist House: Side-Return Extension and Loft Conversion
This end of terrace period property on Telegraph Hill comprises generous, well-proportioned rooms but one bedroom was missing for this family of five. Also, while the two reception rooms are bright and well used, the long rear annex on the ground floor was dark and the space to invite friends around for dinner was lacking. The kitchen was blocking the view and access to the garden as well as separating the rest of the house from the generous outdoor space.
Positioned on a hill, the garden slopes away to the rear and the house is organised with steep split levels. The box dormer loft conversion to house another bedroom, bathroom and further storage space as well as a side return extension offering more space and allowing a complete new layout of kitchen and dining was developed on a tight budget. Structural alterations and new openings were kept to a minimum, while at the same time utilized to achieve the greatest effect.
The volume of the side extension steps down and steps in, in plan and section to follow the contour of the house and garden and to accommodate the split level layout internally. Great height was needed at the junction to the rear reception room and low height required to respect neighbours and towards the garden (at eaves level to please the planners). Two generous eaves- glazings differentiate these three steps / zones and create generous views into garden, sky and trees previously not seen from various points of the house.
The exposed brick wall internally and externally ties the extension wall visually to the existing house while the windows trace previous layouts.
The piano room (rear reception) is supposed to stay separate and an acoustic sliding glass door has been installed. The steps leading down to the new family space at the rear will only occasionally be used and therefore have been designed with a multi-layered programme: they create a small desk space for homework, shelf and filing space and offer storage space under the benches.
A generous window seat allows enjoying the garden even in the rain. Several possible positions for the future dining table have been considered in the design while the kitchen is organised as a long kitchen run with a playful design of open and close cupboards and colour coordinated with steps and fabrics.
The loft features a full width glass façade with playful variations of window sizes offering large and small openings. It overlooks the lush garden spaces and puts the large cherry tree blossom into full perspective! A bright, quirky colour scheme for the painted timber floors, bathroom tiles and the new staircase connects the new spaces to the 1st floor carpets and fabrics of the existing house. The loft was temporarily used as the girls dance studio during lock down.
Photos: Agnese Sanvito