Upper Clapton #80

Project Overview:

The property is a Victorian end-of-terrace family home in Clapton.

Having bought the property in 2011 a first phase of upgrade work had been carried out, however the house underperformed as a family home due to it's slightly unconventional layout. Unlike most Victorian terraced properties, the entrance and stair were positioned on the opposite side of the house to the rear projection. This meant that access to both the kitchen and bathroom could only be gained via the rear reception and rear bedroom respectively; effectively rendering the property only 2 bedrooms (albeit with a large dressing room).

As the property was end of terrace, and due to the unconventional arrangement of the existing property, a 2 storey side infill extension was designed to provide a utility zone serving the rest of the property, freeing up the other rooms to function with autonomy. At ground floor a new side entrance was created to provide a 'back door' for access with bikes. A bike store was then provided, together with a utility & laundry zone and a ground floor WC. A side door was also formed giving direct access into the entrance hall of the main house.

At the rear a full width extension was added, primarily as an extension to the relatively small kitchen within the rear projection. This extension provides direct access to the kitchen from the entrance hall, and also provides access into the newly formed snug. Large-format bi-fold doors were provided to enable the space to be opened onto the newly paved garden, creating a large flexible social space.

By using a number of our standard design details, and a simple and economical material palette, we were able to achieve compact and high performing spaces, delivering all of the key functions and aspirations of the brief.

Team:

Architect: ARCHEA

Building Control: Assent South East

Engineer: DEC Consulting Engineers Ltd

Contractor: Mabico