The 1920s end of terrace home had succumbed to a series of unsympathetic additions and alterations over its lifetime. The most visible of these was a ramshackle side garage and front porch extension to the front. Internally, a lifetime of living had removed any period features accrued over time; clarity and organisation became cluttered the clients were ready to undertake an appraisal and comprehensive reconstruction of their home when they approached Rees Architects in 2021.

In plan, a series of surgical alterations sees Rees Architects bringing unity and clarity to the existing ground floor layout. The proposed entrance is enlarged, giving the living and dining rooms an increase in footprint to absorb the line of the former hallway. The new side extension, in turn, is wider - expanding to accommodate an enlarged and generous entrance with ample storage. Upstairs, light touch reconfiguration means a suitable size family bathroom is added, as well as provision for a future stair to a potential loft conversion by way of an adaptable storage unit in the centre of the plan.

Better definition and delineation of spaces is achieved internally through addition of a transitional space. Termed the ‘courtyard’, this space is more than an incidental threshold, but elongates to provide pause in what was previously a monotonous and dark corridor. 

Pragmatically, this zone absorbs any overflow from adjacent rooms – a sort of live space allowing for any fluctuations in use and needs over time. On a poetic level, it is the piece which visually connects all previously disjointed ground floor spaces, such that views in multiple directions – and therefore an expansion – is set up creating the perception of a more generous space than the addition of 11 sqm of area footage would suggest.

In section, the use of light is carefully controlled in numerous ways. The early decisions to retain some of the cellular character of the late Victorian house, and not embrace a fully open plan, plays a key role in ensuring lighting conditions are tailored to each room. Thresholds of light are established by way of rooflights, which increase light as one moves from semi lit corridor towards an abundant rear extension.

The modulation of light continues to be visible in the roofs - a glue-laminated timber fin structure sits exposed below the various roof lights to vary the penetration of light. This adds privacy as well as mitigating adverse heat effects. Working in conjunction with the differing character of rooms in plan, the outcome is a well exposed dining area, with shadowy living room to engender a soft and intimate character.

Throughout, subtle acts of care create a comfortable interior suitable for modern living. 

A new insulated concrete slab replaces the previous drafty suspended timber floor. With underfloor heating, the concrete is left bare and uncovered, dissipating warmth throughout. This omits the need for radiators. Visually, the terracotta tinted polished concrete floor unites all interior spaces with the external rear garden as it transitions from inside to out.

Precision joinery such as the oak kitchen, with its white oil applied finish, is brought to line with the warm tones of the floor. The worktop, lighter in colour, complements the walls. Brass accents bring attention to fixtures and fittings in an otherwise restrained palette.

A row of joinery cabinets lines one side of the kitchen. Sprayed in a white MDF finish, these conceal all kitchen items neatly, keeping the focus on two, large picture windows framing views of the garden. These units echo the ample storage by the entrance, another discreet detail that provides a great level of functionality to the space.

Elsewhere, stairs are finished in cork, providing a natural material finish that is robust and acoustically sound. Quiet alterations such as the replacement of all existing uPVC windows for double glazed, timber sliding sash units make a case for restoring some semblance of former glory to the house.