LOCAL AND ‘LOFTY’
LOCAL AND ‘LOFTY’
We were delighted to return to a large corner property in Clapham to complete additional works, building on our original design completed in 2012. These recent works, completed in 2020, focused on expanding and enhancing the family spaces, with careful attention to detail, materiality, and the seamless integration of the interior and exterior.
The 2020 Works: A Seamless Extension for Modern Living
The 2020 addition extended the kitchen and dining area further into the garden, creating a flexible, open space that serves as the heart of the home for both family gatherings and social occasions. Given the difference in levels between the interior and the garden, a partially submerged extension was designed, with doors at either end providing access to the courtyard seating area and side garden. This design allows for a natural flow between spaces, while also framing the garden beautifully.
The new space features a long bar/counter that faces the garden, with seating along its length. Above, sliding windows can open fully, offering a strong connection between the interior and outdoor areas, perfect for summer entertaining. The pitched roof, which oversails the extension, is clad in English Sweet Chestnut, maintaining the aesthetic of the original works and tying the new extension harmoniously to the rest of the house.
First-Floor Enhancements
On the first floor, a small bedroom and corridor were reconfigured to create a luxurious new main bedroom suite, complete with an en-suite bathroom and dressing area. A striking custom copper niche above the bed adds a bold design element, while the bespoke bathroom vanity unit, made from antique furniture, further enhances the room’s unique character. Further storage requirements incorporated a built-in wardrobe and airing cupboard into the first-floor layout.
The 2012 Works: Transforming the Existing Home
The original works, completed in 2012, involved a long rear extension, the conversion of existing roof spaces, and the addition of a new dormer window. These changes resulted in a spacious six-bedroom, three-bathroom family home, designed with both functionality and style in mind.
The demolition of an existing sunroom made way for the new kitchen and dining space, which were designed to be voluminous and well-lit. The mono-pitch roof, with strategically placed roof lights, created a sense of openness, while large sliding doors, fully concealed within the wall, created an exceptional indoor-outdoor connection. In the summer months, the entire elevation opened up to the garden, seamlessly integrating the home with its outdoor space.
A ‘secret’ door from the kitchen leads to a cleverly concealed larder, which made excellent use of the available space while keeping the kitchen layout clean and uncluttered. The previous kitchen area was transformed into a new family room, where the chimney was opened up to house a contemporary wood-burning stove. Bespoke joinery throughout the room accommodates the TV and provides ample storage, blending functionality with a refined aesthetic. During the more recent works, some of these built in cupboards were removed in favour of open shelving and space for occasional working from home.
Second-Floor Additions and Loft Conversion
Upstairs, an existing bedroom was extended to create additional space, and a new shower room was introduced, with exposed brickwork retained to create a distinctive ‘loft’ feel. Additionally, the roof structure was reconfigured to add a new bedroom, enhancing the home’s overall layout and functionality.
Period Detailing and Sustainable Materials
Throughout the project, careful attention was given to preserving and enhancing the period character of the property. The cladding for the ground-floor extension was crafted from locally sourced English Sweet Chestnut from Kent and Sussex, maintaining the home’s connection to its surroundings. Reclaimed French Oak flooring in a Chevron pattern brings warmth and texture to the interior, while the slate roof and paving made from recycled York stone enhance the sustainability of the project.
Photo credits:
2020: Limelight Interiors Photography
2012: Dominic Cole
Images on the above slider show initial works completed in 2012.
