THE FINNED EXTENSION
Wrap around extension and whole house refurbishment in Battersea
SW11
The brief for The Finned Extension was to ensure the new addition was full of light with large expanses of glazing, whilst not being overlooked by the adjoining block of flats. The neighbouring building had numerous windows looking down onto the property. We achieved this by using a series of Walnut rafters under the fully glazed roof which are gradually spaced out as you move away from the block of flats, providing more privacy the closer you are to the neighbouring windows, but allowing more light and sky views towards the garden.
The whole house was reconfigured to create a large kitchen, dining and sitting area overlooking the compact walled garden at the rear. We left a small courtyard in the middle of the plan to ensure the existing rooms in the centre of the house still had access to light and fresh air and also to provide a new window into the existing cellar.
The kitchen was designed to tie in with the material of the extension rafters. We used walnut doors with a strong grain which add warmth and texture, contrasting against the more pared back and cooler tones of the floor and worktop finish.
EXISTING GROUND FLOOR PLAN
COMPLETED GROUND FLOOR PLAN
Care was taken in the design of the project to ensure the changes to the building were made sensitively and in keeping with the character of the Conservation Area. Where new elements were proposed, these are of a very high quality and contemporary in nature to ensure they remain clearly readable as new elements.
The rear extension is finished with solid slate slabs, quarried in Wales, to create a strongly framed opening into the garden. The outer frame is of smooth honed slate and the window surround has a rougher riven finish. The material was chosen to reference the natural slate roof tiles found on the house and throughout the Conservation Area, using a traditional material in a more contemporary way. Extra tall slim frame sliding doors provide a strong visual link to the small garden space and accentuate the high ceiling.
On the upper floors we completely re-arranged the house to provide a layout that will work for a family long term, with a more practical layout of bedrooms, bathrooms and reception spaces. The main reception room is on the first floor at the front of the house and retains its original fireplace and there are smaller reception rooms on the ground floor and second floor which can be used flexibly.
At ground floor we used frameless sliding doors to create seamless openings between spaces, creating a strong link from the front door into the new extension, with glimpses of the garden beyond. A new study was formed with views onto the small courtyard and into the extension beyond.
TESTIMONIAL
“Used Yard on 2 projects second project massive house renovation we used them in design and to help with the project during the build. Amazing architects, attention to detail brilliant, wonderful to work with, creative, innovative as well as practical when dealing with Local authorities planning dept. Both times made sure the build reflected our ambitions. Brilliant Company!” Amanda G
Photographs by Richard Chivers
