Clapton #51

Project Overview:

The property is an Edwardian mid-terrace family home in Lower Clapton.

The principal objective was to extend and reconfigure the existing ground floor kitchen and utility spaces to provide a single open-plan kitchen, dining and living space with an improved outlook and interface with the existing rear garden. A secondary aspect of the project was to relocate the existing utility functions within the existing partial basement.

In order to avoid building over the window to the rear reception room, to minimise the impact on the neighbour's outlook and daylight, and also to simplify the drainage and ventilation strategy of the property, a rear courtyard was created separating the new side infill extension from the main house. Whilst the potential additional floor area was reduced by the introduction of the courtyard, the quality and value of the new floor area are maximised, with dual aspect and plenty of natural daylight and ventilation. The kitchen and dining functions are located within the existing volume of the rear projection, with the new informal living area tucked under the vaulted ceiling of the new side infill extension. Double patio doors connect the kitchen to the rear garden; views to the garden from the new sitting area are framed by a new projecting window seat and access to the courtyard is provided by further double patio doors.

The existing basement has been excavated towards the centre of the floor plan, avoiding any excavation against party walls which would have involved costly underpinning. The utility space accommodates a new boiler, washing and drying facilities, a butlers sink, refrigerator, together with plenty of storage for dry produce and general household storage.

A simple palette of materials and standard products are used throughout to provide a practical and traditional construction whilst also creating a simple modern aesthetic.

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Before & After: East London Edwardian

Team:

Architect: ARCHEA

Building Control: Assent South East

Engineer: DEC Consulting Engineers Ltd