RO-107_NUNHEAD
Black Eco Boxes: Two storey side extension, single storey rear extension, porch, full refurbishment, landscaping
Our clients wished to build a two-storey side extension as well as replacing a rear conservatory in order to create generally more space for the kitchen dining area, utility space, an extra downstairs WC, an additional workspace as well as a guestroom with a 2nd bathroom. In addition the idea was that the side extension could potentially be used as a small unit on its own, closed-off from the main house and with its own access – for long term guests and as their own London pied-à-terre. There were also various areas of the existing end-of-terrace ‘1920’s cottage’ which needed improvement, as for example the existing angled porch and the separate hot water tank cupboard next to the bathroom.
However, one of the main points of the project was to improve the energy efficiency of the house to reduce the carbon footprint as much as possible. By installing a new air source heat pump system, connected to large photovoltaic panels on the new extension roof, and by upgrading the envelope of the house as well as all radiators and highly insulating the new extensions, it was possible to disconnect the gas supply entirely. The battery of the electric car functions as an extra storage facility for the solar panels, while new hot water storage tanks have been installed in the loft space.
The side extension has been designed around several site constraints: maintaining external garden access, accommodating different site levels as well as a limit on the eaves height towards the neighbours informed the shape. The connection to the existing house has been expressed as a glazed ‘shadow gap’, which internally shows itself in the featured Yellow Stock Brick wall and change in roof shape. The side extension comprises a workspace / small office space with direct access from the road, which can turn into a small kitchen. Upstairs an open-plan landing / yoga-space, a small guest room and showerroom fit under the low roof. The shower room features a full-size roof-glazing, adding extra head height and evoking the feeling of showering outside.
A lowered snug used as play area sits within the side extension envelope, connected to the large open-plan kitchen and dining space at the centre of the house, which opens up towards the garden with generous slim-profiled sliding doors. The black kitchen forms an L-shaped back drop to the space, surrounding the island, bar and dining table. Sliding doors to the new opening into the front living room have been integrated into the kitchen back wall. The new porch offers space for coats, bags and shoes, while at the same time bringing light into the hall. Light oak timber parquet has been laid throughout the ground floor, connecting, and unifying the various spaces.
Exposed timber beams are expressed in the rear extension surrounding the glass roof light. The white painted ceiling beams and white-washed floor complement the charred timber featuring as external cladding. A few elements are highlighted in bright colours and pattern for extra fun.
Photos: Agnese Sanvito