A key inspiration for the project came from Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge, a gallery formed by joining several terraced cottages. Its small yet spatially intricate rooms provided a model for creating a sense of complexity within a compact footprint. This idea was developed further by visually linking spaces and minimizing conventional partitions, floors, and ceilings, opting instead for open structures that enhance connectivity.

Relocating the staircase to the center of the plan allowed for a more efficient distribution of space, improving access to the new rooms. The three new bays created in the layout also guided the structural framework for the upper floors and roof. The final design includes two separate bedrooms, a living area that can double as a guest room with a curtain partition, and a study on a mezzanine overlooking the double-height dining space. Although each room is compact, the openness between spaces creates a sense of expansiveness, making the 62m² flat feel far larger than its footprint suggests.

The vertical arrangement of spaces, with an open connection from the entrance to the roof, gives the apartment a unique character. The use of sanded and oiled cement and wood-chip panels introduces rich shadows that contrast with the bright upper levels. Instead of traditional finishes, the project embraces raw construction materials, either left in their natural state or subtly refined. This not only maintains cost efficiency but also reinforces the design’s focus on space and light.

Sustainability was a core principle, following a fabric-first approach. Internal insulation was added (as external insulation was not an option), and old single-glazed sash windows were replaced with high-performance triple glazing. The uninsulated roof was upgraded to a warm roof system with high thermal efficiency, while the floor slab above the apartment below was enhanced with both acoustic and thermal insulation, along with specialized acoustic floorboards. Careful attention was given to sealing all joints and junctions to improve airtightness and eliminate cold bridging.

Originally, the plan included underfloor heating and an air-source heat pump. However, the lack of a suitable location for the heat pump meant that a high-quality combi boiler and radiators were ultimately chosen instead.The open nature of the apartment, with an uninterrupted spatial flow from the ground floor to the roof, required close collaboration with a fire engineer. The design incorporates advanced fire safety measures, including a smoke detection system, fire suppression technology, and an automatically opening vent integrated into a window to expel smoke in case of fire.

As mentioned, to optimise space and functionality, a cork-clad extension was added towards the garden. Two large triple-glazed pivoting doors open onto the outdoor space, connecting the internal and external spaces while maintaining a strong visual connection to the garden. The loft conversion took the form of a zinc-clad dormer, which now serves as a dedicated hobby space and a children’s play area. The loft benefits from ample natural light through large garden-facing windows, and the floor has been finished with durable yet comfortable rubber flooring.

Internally, the layout has been carefully reimagined to suit the family’s lifestyle. Open-plan spaces allow children to move freely without obstacles, while the ground floor seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining area, and terrace. The parents now have a dedicated office space that can either be closed off for focused work or left open to stay connected with family activities.

The design of the rear extension incorporates angled geometries to break up the facade, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow. These angles also prevents overshadowing of the neighbouring property and was therefore instrumental in the project being granted planning permission. Internally, the spaces were designed to be generous, providing flexibility for future adaptation and reconfiguration of furniture to meet evolving needs.

Several upgrades were made to improve the home’s thermal efficiency. Most windows were replaced with new triple-glazed units, while existing stained glass windows were preserved and fitted with secondary glazing. Both the new and existing parts of the house were externally insulated to enhance overall energy performance. A new, more efficient heating system was installed to further reduce energy consumption.

Joinery on the ground floor was designed by Ten & Sen, Office Ten Architecture’s sister company. The approach focused on timeless, understated, and finely crafted joinery pieces. The kitchen was custom-designed from the ground up to meet the clients’ specific requirements, ensuring a highly functional and personalised space.

This project achieves a comprehensive transformation, integrating a new two-storey rear extension with a fully refurbished interior. The result is a home designed for longevity, offering spatial flexibility, improved energy performance, and a strong visual and physical connection to the surrounding landscape

Clients comments
“Our new house offers us a connection with nature the second we come through the front door. There is a clear line of vision through to the garden, the greenery there and the park behind it.  We have full height glass doors at the back of the house making for what is in essence a glass back wall downstairs.  Being anywhere in the sitting / dining / kitchen areas enables a sense of connection between the house and the outside – the birds and the climate, whether it is sunshine or storm.”