Choumert

The modest Victorian mid-terrace in South-East London was in a poor state of repair prior to the project’s extensive refurbishment. The clients had already dismissed a project by another firm for which they had obtained prior planning permission, and instead sought from us an ‘out-of-the-ordinary’ single-storey wraparound extension to transform the dark, low-ceilinged kitchen, alongside exterior landscaping and a full refurbishment of the property.

Our designs aimed to combat the darkening effect of the high walls and tree-lines either side of the property through an emphasis on height and light. To the exterior, concrete, zinc and charred timber cladding sit calmly within the facade, leading to wood-free, sustainable decking that mirrors the muted colour palette.

In our designs, the interiors evolved in tandem with the external design, bringing in external features like reclaimed brick to the interior wall. In the varied-height kitchen extension, we incorporated a skylight and extensive roof glazing to maximise space, without obtrusive changes in sight lines or structural support. Judicious use of joinery maximises the use of space in existing rooms, matched by a hidden downstairs WC. The new extension adjoins the older part of the house, pulling in more natural light to the centre of the home.

Our project design avoided radical alterations to the remaining structure of the property, minimising costs and maximising efficiency. Instead, the thoughtful and understated design innovations of Choumert Road House create an overall effect significantly greater than the sum of its parts.

The scheme was awarded the 2019 LABC London award for best small residential project.