Clapham Common | SW4

This project in Lambeth, just off Clapham Common, involved a small rear, ground floor extension, reconfiguration of the ground floor to include a boot room and WC, reconfiguration of the first floor and refurbishment and redecoration. The brief was to open up the rear kitchen/dining area to the garden, without losing too much garden space and also to create a utility room just off the kitchen. Maximising daylight in the kitchen/dining area was a key aim. We extended slightly into the garden (onto the raised patio) in the proposals, in order to gain a little more space internally but also to create a stepped facade, which then provided zoning internally, that was perfect for the kitchen and dining areas. The main aim of the kitchen was to allow for a view of the garden whilst preparing food and washing up and a large, picture window provided this, whilst allowing lots of natural light to penetrate within. The step in the elevation allowed for glazing on two sides and created the perfect location for a pivot door from the kitchen to the garden, that is useful as the day-to-day access, rather than using the sliding doors. It also made the patio feel more a part of the living space within, by wrapping around this, whilst offering light at different times of day in. Sliding doors to the dining area allow the space to be opened up to the patio.

We were keen to use brick as the client was comfortable with this material, however, we wanted to contrast the new from the existing and so chose a light cream brick for the extension. The chamfered detailing around the picture window adds a focal point to the otherwise, purposefully simple form and brick slips were applied to cast in-situ concrete beams and columns. The direction of the brick bond above and below the window also adds some subtle detailing, whilst the stone capping to match the colour of the brickwork ties the form together.

We are looking forward to getting this project professionally photographed shortly.