Project Overview

A glazed extension to a Victorian terraced house surrounded by bamboo and wisteria. This project reimagines the back of a Victorian semi-detached house near Dulwich Village in South London.

Organisation

McChesney Architects

Project Brief

wo rooms formerly at the rear of the house were merged into one and a glazed pavilion added, providing new utility, kitchen, dining and living areas. The extended section is glazed on three sides allowing the occupants to be fully surrounded by green planting. A delicate trellis structure planted with wisteria shades the space during summer months. In winter, the wisteria plants lose their leaves allowing the sun to heat the space.

Project Innovation/Need

Fabric canopies are provided for the initial years while the wisteria gets established. The room is surrounded by iroko decking that has been left untreated allowing for silver patina to form over time.

The kitchen is furnished with oak clad units designed by the architect. The work surfaces and side panels to the units are made from reclaimed whisky casks. A custom-built stainless steel surface is provided for the wash-up area with integral welded sink units.

The rear of the house has been transformed. Two dingy rooms enclosed by a small conservatory have been merged into a single striking space that has a strong relationship with the garden. A simple trellis provides an innovative strategy towards heat: shading in summer – heating passively during winter.