THE LARCH EXTENSION

A framed timber extension and loft conversion

SW14

Longlisted for the 2020 Don't Move, Improve! competition

The family living in this house in Mortlake were in desperate need of extra living space. The terraced houses in the Conservation Area are very narrow with little storage space and tiny courtyard gardens. Every inch of space is valuable, and any proposal needed to work hard to maximise the potential of the house.

The rear elevation was carefully composed of a grid of larch studs, infilled with larch cladding strips recessed within the framework. The studs organise and frame the glazing and create a contemporary but complementary addition to the house. The timber creates a warm and inviting backdrop to the small courtyard garden and complements the colour of the existing rear elevation.

We proposed two additions to the house, a new wrap around extension and loft conversion, which created a kitchen diner at the rear and a flexible study / bedroom space in the loft. The ground floor wrap around extension is a simple design with a strip of glass roof providing natural light along the length of the kitchen units.

EXISTING GROUND FLOOR PLAN

COMPLETED GROUND FLOOR PLAN

Internally, slim steel handrails, fire rated internal windows and a mist system help to meet fire regulations whilst allowing a more open plan layout, avoiding tight corridors and fire doors.