Room Tour: A Garden-focused Extension Boosts Light and Views
Striking glazing and a green roof contribute to the sensitive modernisation of this early 20th century home
Kate Burt
29 April 2021
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and various magazines. I'm now excited to part of the editorial team at Houzz UK & Ireland, bringing the best of British and Irish design, interiors and architecture to Houzz.com.
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and... More
This Arts and Crafts end-of-terrace hadn’t been touched for around 20 years when architect Lizzie Fraher of Fraher & Findlay first saw it. “The layout was very 1920s, not designed for 21st century living,” she says, explaining there were lots of rooms, a tiny kitchen and also a newer conservatory that was too hot in summer and too cold in winter.
The owners wanted a modern, family space, but not a huge extension, nor to encroach on the garden. Plentiful green vistas were also on the wish list. The architect translated this brief into something very special, with a sensitively modest addition, an ingenious courtyard and verdant views at every turn.
The owners wanted a modern, family space, but not a huge extension, nor to encroach on the garden. Plentiful green vistas were also on the wish list. The architect translated this brief into something very special, with a sensitively modest addition, an ingenious courtyard and verdant views at every turn.
Room at a Glance
Who lives here? A family of four with primary school-aged children
Location South-west London
Property An Arts and Crafts end-of-terrace with five bedrooms and three bathrooms
Architect and interior designer Lizzie Fraher of Fraher & Findlay
Joinery Shape London
Photos by Adam Scott Images
The project was an extension of two halves. On the left-hand side, as seen from the garden, Lizzie designed the building to come out by around 4m, while on the right it projects by around 2m.
Within the left-hand side of the construction there’s a two-level space containing the snug, by the window, and a dining area, at the back. Lizzie also created a small courtyard to replace the conservatory.
Rather than designing these rooms to all sit at the same level as the original house, steps down to the snug mirror those outside from the side return. “It minimises the impact of the architecture on the neighbours,” Lizzie says.
Who lives here? A family of four with primary school-aged children
Location South-west London
Property An Arts and Crafts end-of-terrace with five bedrooms and three bathrooms
Architect and interior designer Lizzie Fraher of Fraher & Findlay
Joinery Shape London
Photos by Adam Scott Images
The project was an extension of two halves. On the left-hand side, as seen from the garden, Lizzie designed the building to come out by around 4m, while on the right it projects by around 2m.
Within the left-hand side of the construction there’s a two-level space containing the snug, by the window, and a dining area, at the back. Lizzie also created a small courtyard to replace the conservatory.
Rather than designing these rooms to all sit at the same level as the original house, steps down to the snug mirror those outside from the side return. “It minimises the impact of the architecture on the neighbours,” Lizzie says.
On the right, Lizzie brought the extension across into the side return, but didn’t fill the whole of it (retaining garden access from the street). “This gave us space for a reasonable size kitchen,” she explains.
This side is shallower than the left, partly because of its raised level – Lizzie didn’t want to extend too far into the garden at that height.
The right-hand window extends up and over the top, giving views of the sky as well as the garden. Below it is a large planter; in time the greenery will be tall enough to be seen from inside.
“We like to push the garden right up against the back of a house to improve the relationship between the two spaces,” Lizzie says. “I didn’t want a big, wide terrace that acted almost as a barrier to the garden.”
This side is shallower than the left, partly because of its raised level – Lizzie didn’t want to extend too far into the garden at that height.
The right-hand window extends up and over the top, giving views of the sky as well as the garden. Below it is a large planter; in time the greenery will be tall enough to be seen from inside.
“We like to push the garden right up against the back of a house to improve the relationship between the two spaces,” Lizzie says. “I didn’t want a big, wide terrace that acted almost as a barrier to the garden.”
From the inside, this full-height glazing gives the sense of the glass disappearing into the roof. “It’s as if there’s no barrier [to the garden]. We also wanted this space to feel as tall as possible,” Lizzie explains. The diagonal view was the longest in the space, she adds, hence the corner window to maximise this.
A focus on greenery and the garden was integral to the design. Lizzie explains that the area was famous for its market gardens in the early 1800s and she wanted to bring a sense of this local history to the house.
“We didn’t want to lose much garden space,” she says. “And we replaced what we did lose by adding it onto the roof.” What you’re looking at is a sedum and wildflower mix; the sedum is green year-round, while the flowers appear in spring. This element had to be designed in at the outset, so a structural surveyor could advise on a roof strong enough to support the weight of the planting.
Lizzie chose brick for the extension’s exterior “to create some relief from the render at the back of the house”, and also to reflect the Arts and Crafts tradition of honesty about materials.
You might also like A Beginner’s Guide to Green Roofs.
“We didn’t want to lose much garden space,” she says. “And we replaced what we did lose by adding it onto the roof.” What you’re looking at is a sedum and wildflower mix; the sedum is green year-round, while the flowers appear in spring. This element had to be designed in at the outset, so a structural surveyor could advise on a roof strong enough to support the weight of the planting.
Lizzie chose brick for the extension’s exterior “to create some relief from the render at the back of the house”, and also to reflect the Arts and Crafts tradition of honesty about materials.
You might also like A Beginner’s Guide to Green Roofs.
The wraparound window in the kitchen as seen from the inside shows just how special the effect is. “It really extends your view. When you’re cooking, it feels as if you’re in the garden,” Lizzie says.
The island contains storage on both sides and a small space to sit, rather than an area for dining. “The clients have a wonderful big Danish dining table so close, so this is more a spot to sit and have a coffee, really.” Lizzie says, adding that one half of the couple is from Denmark and sourced a lot of the furniture there.
The kitchen fronts are a mix of white spray-painted MDF and ash timber, while the worktops are Cararra marble.
The island contains storage on both sides and a small space to sit, rather than an area for dining. “The clients have a wonderful big Danish dining table so close, so this is more a spot to sit and have a coffee, really.” Lizzie says, adding that one half of the couple is from Denmark and sourced a lot of the furniture there.
The kitchen fronts are a mix of white spray-painted MDF and ash timber, while the worktops are Cararra marble.
Flush floor-to-ceiling units hug the left-hand side of the kitchen. Behind the doors there’s a fridge, a freezer, a larder and wine storage. Behind this bank, accessed from the dining area, is a utility room housing the laundry appliances.
There’s discreet downlighting in the ceiling as well as task lighting concealed in the shelves over the sink.
The kitchen floor is polished concrete, and a Sonos sound system is installed in the ceiling.
In the foreground is the ash-topped side of the small staircase leading down to the snug.
There’s discreet downlighting in the ceiling as well as task lighting concealed in the shelves over the sink.
The kitchen floor is polished concrete, and a Sonos sound system is installed in the ceiling.
In the foreground is the ash-topped side of the small staircase leading down to the snug.
The pantry and the wine fridge sit neatly within the bank of floor-to-ceiling units.
Browse user reviews of architects and building designers in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Browse user reviews of architects and building designers in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
The oak parquet flooring delineates the dining room from the kitchen. The dining area sits in the location of the original rear reception room. “Because of the conservatory, it was kind of neglected,” Lizzie says.
In place of the too hot or too cold conservatory is this delightful small courtyard. “It gives breathing space to the back of the house and between the old and the new,” Lizzie explains.
“When extending, you risk losing the space in the middle, as it gets sandwiched and has no connection to the garden,” she says. “As we needed to step down to the garden, creating this space was possible – and it brings more green to the interior.”
In place of the too hot or too cold conservatory is this delightful small courtyard. “It gives breathing space to the back of the house and between the old and the new,” Lizzie explains.
“When extending, you risk losing the space in the middle, as it gets sandwiched and has no connection to the garden,” she says. “As we needed to step down to the garden, creating this space was possible – and it brings more green to the interior.”
Here you can see how the courtyard provides another view of greenery from the kitchen.
The courtyard doors open it up to the dining room and kitchen, bringing additional light into both spaces. The clerestory window seen straight on here captures a view of part of the green roof.
Tucked into the left-hand dining room wall there’s a tiny bar with a floating drawer and storage below.
Tucked into the left-hand dining room wall there’s a tiny bar with a floating drawer and storage below.
On the other side of the dining room there’s an original fireplace, complete with a decorative arch and a wood-burning stove. The slate hearth is new.
Light oak parquet flooring, Havwoods.
Light oak parquet flooring, Havwoods.
The snug is tucked behind the courtyard and dining space. There’s underfloor heating throughout to keep the spaces cosy.
The door on the right side of the dining room leads to the aforementioned utility and cloakroom.
The door on the right side of the dining room leads to the aforementioned utility and cloakroom.
The house as it looks from the street.
Tell us…
What’s your favourite detail in this unusual extension? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Tell us…
What’s your favourite detail in this unusual extension? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Related Stories
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Midcentury Home With a Strong Indoor-outdoor Link
By Becky Harris
A nature-inspired renovation has given this ranch house a relaxed mood and a connection to the outdoors from most rooms
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: Warm Tones and Luxurious Surfaces in a City Townhouse
An earthy colour palette, hidden storage and well-placed texture add character and practicality to this London home
Full Story
Room Tours
Kitchen Tour: A Gorgeous Extension With a Leafy Glasshouse Feel
By Kate Burt
When the owners of this terraced house extended, they were keen to retain its period feel and highlight the garden
Full Story
Gardens
Garden Tour: A Bare Roof Terrace Becomes a Pretty, Sociable Space
By Kate Burt
A retired couple got help transforming their large rooftop into a gorgeous, welcoming, multi-functional retreat
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Smart Layout and Genius Storage in a Victorian Home
Flipping the standard layout and carving out excellent storage have turned this tired house into a brilliant family home
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Victorian House Brought Impressively Up to Date
By Jo Simmons
A cohesive layout and warm colours combined with energy-efficiency measures thoroughly modernise this terraced home
Full Story
Kitchen Tours
Kitchen Tour: An Open, Airy Space Made for Entertaining
Combining two separate rooms has improved flow and created a sociable open-plan kitchen, dining and seating space
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Family Home Inspired by its Seaside Location
Coastal colours and practical design combine to create a house that will adapt as the family grows
Full Story
Kitchens
5 Inspiring Before and After Kitchen Transformations
Whether you want to boost storage, incorporate original features or maximise your space, take ideas from these designs
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: An Airy, Scandi Finish for a Tall Victorian House
By Kate Burt
From a tricky inherited bath to a sticky-out staircase, on-site problem-solving led to a seamless update for an old home
Full Story
The kitchen is fabulous, I’d love something similar. Please can you confirm the supplier?
Like the living space in & outside, clever, simple, classic ideas, a lovely family home.
This is lovely, really imaginative . Glad to see access to garden from the street has been retained.