Belsize Park House Extension
Architecture for London has designed a sustainable house extension and refurbishment for an 1850s semi-detached villa in Belsize Park, NW3.
The project, currently in the construction phase, will combine a two-storey rear extension with a comprehensive energy upgrade to create a contemporary, fossil fuel-free family home with improved living spaces and a refined material palette.
The concept for the internal finishes and materials is informed by the work of William Robert, a cubist painter who lived and painted locally. William was fascinated by colour, often using bold but natural, earthy tones. His pieces, The Tea Garden (1928) and The Playground (1930), have inspired a material palette of rich burgundy, light sandy tones and pale greens.
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The project, currently in the construction phase, will combine a two-storey rear extension with a comprehensive energy upgrade to create a contemporary, fossil fuel-free family home with improved living spaces and a refined material palette.
Design Concept
A two-storey rear extension improves family living space in both the raised ground-floor dining room, and the lower ground-floor reception rooms. The double-height space allows natural light to flood into the rooms at the rear of the house.The concept for the internal finishes and materials is informed by the work of William Robert, a cubist painter who lived and painted locally. William was fascinated by colour, often using bold but natural, earthy tones. His pieces, The Tea Garden (1928) and The Playground (1930), have inspired a material palette of rich burgundy, light sandy tones and pale greens.
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Materials include natural red sandstone, Cipollino marble, Fior di Bosco, sapele, oak and London plane, bringing warmth and tactility to this early Victorian house.
Sustainability
The property is insulated internally with a combination of wood fibre and aerogel, improving the thermal performance of the original solid brick walls, whilst minimising loss of internal area.The house is fossil fuel-free, with both space heating and hot water demand met by an air-source heat pump. A photovoltaic panel array and storage battery provide renewable electricity. An MVHR system supplies fresh, filtered air throughout the house, improving comfort and indoor air quality.
Interior Design
The interiors feature bespoke furniture, combined with mid-20th century pieces. In the kitchen, the bespoke table and bench seat is accompanied by Hay Rey chairs. The bench is carved from solid timber, with a curved seat back that highlights the decorative end grain.Double-height, translucent s-wave Kvadrat curtains visually soften the metal-framed glazing to the rear extension. Curtains, rugs and other fabrics also provide acoustic dampening in the lower ground floor, a space that is predominantly finished in brick and stone. Here, furniture includes 1929 LC1 chairs by Le Corbusier, a Pierre Yovanovitch ‘Arthur’ sofa, and a bespoke stainless steel coffee table.
Lighting is by Ingo Maurer, Akari, Hans Verstuyft Architects and Muller Van Severen. Paintings are by William Robert, tying the interior palette back to the original artistic inspiration.
If you are seeking architects in Belsize Park, contact us to arrange a free consultation to discuss your house extension, refurbishment or interior design project.
Project Information
Project Architect:Ben Ridley
Location:
Belsize Park, NW3
Project Type:
House extension and refurbishment
Visualisations:
Tom Groves
