THE 1930S EXTENSION

Colourful 1930s house extension and refurbishment in Clapham

SW12

The primary intent of the project was to bring the property up to a modern standard of living, with additional space at the rear to provide kitchen, dining and living space for a couple who would become a family over the course of the build, with the arrival of twins in a very Grand Designs manner.

The project was relatively cost effective, and it was decided early on to draw upon the existing 1930’s design aesthetic of the existing house. A white painted render finish to the extension was combined with the curved corner which drew influence from the beautiful curved bay window at the front of the house. Green glazed ceramic tile details were a response to the painted tile window cills, each a different colour on the development of 6 houses located just outside the Wandsworth Common Conservation Area. The tiles came to define planting zones as part of the landscaping at the rear of the extension.

Further up the house, a new softwood staircase with circular balusters lead to the new loft conversion, where the master bedroom and en-suite are located. The playful design aesthetic continues, with vintage inspired elements such as a T&G timber clad headboard ledge and the mid-century sideboard vanity unit that the clients sourced for the bathroom.

Internally, the spaces were designed to incorporate a large self-contained study at the front of the house, which could be opened to the rest of the space with salvaged pocket doors. Interior designer Sarah Ashworth put together a 1930’s inspired colour scheme, which is at it’s boldest in this study space, with a golden yellow paint offsetting the clients vast collection of vintage furniture.

A utility and downstairs loo are incorporated in the original small kitchen space, with a free flowing sequence of spaces for living opening up to the garden at the rear. A slot rooflight provides light for the kitchen set in the centre of the plan.

EXISTING GROUND FLOOR PLAN

COMPLETED GROUND FLOOR PLAN

Photographs by Richard Chivers