A larch timber clad extension for a young family which mimics the pretty butterfly roofline of the host building.
A project description of a maximum of 250 words explaining in more detail the ambition for the project, how this was achieved, and the impact the project has had post-completion. In your description please demonstrate how the project delivers innovation and creativity in the creation of new space; high quality design that adds to London’s rich mix of architectural styles; and sustainable and cost-effective approaches to the project delivery
The clients came to us as they were fed up with their badly built 1960’s kitchen extension which had multiple problems, not least the fact they couldn'tfit in a dinning table as it was so narrow. Despite a tricky planning processwe devised an extension which gave them the space they needed, including a second bathroom cleverly hidden behind some ply storage, a covered porch, a window seat and a generous expanse of glazing, giving a better relationship with the garden outside.
The shape of the roof not only came about as it was rather pretty set against the butterfly roofline of the host building but also due to series of restrictions, such as needing to keep the height at a minimum to the neighbours on one side whist needing as much height as we could get to allow access from the existing living room doorway, (due to a tight budget we couldn't enlarge the existing openings on the host building). The neighbour on the otherside has some rather large roof vents and by pushing the roof up on this side it served to hide these whilst allowing clear ventilation.
The extension is clad in larch timber slats of varying widths and has been designed with the intension that it should weather grey so as to sit comfortably with the grey paving, grey brick plinth and window frames.
The clients are delighted with the final result, commenting on how light and airy it is, and how it has become the new focus of the home.
Cost Effective
This extension was built to a very tight construction budget of £80,000 (incl VAT fixtures and fittings). As a result we couldn't create any wider openings on the host building without eating into this budget too much. Another constraint was the manhole which couldn't be moved as the budget didnt allow it but we needed additional length to get the kitchen units in desired by the client. We resolved this through careful planning of a covered porch and window seat. The budget only allowed for one steel beam spanning the length of the extension to give a clear floor space – important given the odd geometries of the floor plan. Timber frame and timber cladding was used as a cost effective and sensitive choice.
Material Used :
1. Windows: Velfac
2. Timber cladding: Vincent Timber
