Situated on a residential street in South London, a Victorian terrace property has undergone a thorough refurbishment and extension. The project aimed to preserve the original features of the building while incorporating a modern extension that suits the contemporary needs of the Anglo-Italian owners. The house, acquired in late 2023, features preserved period details and a long, south-facing garden, which influenced the orientation of the new rear extension. Despite the structure being in poor condition, it retained key original elements such as high ceilings, fireplaces, and decorative plasterwork, which were preserved as part of the overall design.
Spatial configuration and courtyard typology
The design features two interconnected volumes: the original, stabilised structure and the new, glazed rear addition. The contemporary extension employs extensive glazing to maximise daylight and create a direct link to the garden.
A key functional decision was avoiding a traditional side-return extension. Instead, the design introduces a 'kitchen courtyard', an external void adjacent to the kitchen area. This typology brings in natural light to the plan. The space is framed by a horizontal window, and a sliding window above the hob enables direct ventilation and access.
Envelope and material specification
The material approach is characterised by essential thermal upgrades and the functional contrast between existing and new elements. In the preserved front structure, original materials such as timber floorboards and decorative plasterwork were restored.
The new structure features large-format, minimal-frame double glazing to enhance solar gain on the south façade and reduce visual obstruction. A key aspect of the project's performance involved the complete replacement of original windows with double glazing and extensive insulation upgrades to the roof and wall fabric to improve thermal efficiency.
Environmental features and future planning
The refurbishment aimed to enhance the long-term performance and efficiency of the residential unit. Upgraded insulation and high-performance fenestration work together to lower the building's operational energy demand. Key provisions have been made for future environmental strategies. Planning consent was successfully obtained for a subsequent phase of work, which includes installing solar photovoltaic panels and an EV charge point. These measures are intended to further decrease the property’s external energy reliance and support electric vehicle infrastructure requirements.
This residential project demonstrates a methodology for upgrading a Victorian building typology while integrating defined thermal and energy performance improvements. By focusing on envelope upgrades, controlled light ingress, and a non-standardised spatial arrangement—notably the courtyard element—the design establishes a refined environment for the occupants.
