This house extension in Dartmouth Park is designed to better connect the property with its large garden. A new dining room with oak-framed sliding doors opens onto a landscaped terrace, while a separate glazed evening room allows uninterrupted garden views. Between these two spaces, a sheltered outdoor kitchen has been created for year-round use.
“We are simply thrilled with the outcome. AFL fully delivered on the brief and our home feels modern, while in keeping with the period building” – Jackie & Adrian, Dartmouth Park
Architectural Concept
Concrete beams at roof level create a horizontal datum across the new spaces. This line begins internally and continues outside to shelter the barbecue area, finally returning to the ground to form a new pergola against the garden wall.
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When viewed from the garden, this continuous horizontal line gives the impression of a unified, wide rear extension that emphasises the generous 17m garden width. The careful composition of solid and glazed elements frames views toward, and from the period property.
Sustainability
Thermal improvements include replacement double-glazed sash windows throughout and ultra-high performance vacuum insulation (Kingspan Optim-R) to improve heat retention.
The new glazing to the rear extension is specified with a solar control coating and a U-value of 1 W/m²K. This reduces the risk of overheating in summer while helping to keep the home warm in winter. As a result, the extension remains comfortable and usable all year round with lower energy demand.
The structural beams are concrete with GGBS (ground granulated blast-furnace slag) to reduce cement content and embodied carbon. Underfloor heating warms the stone floors, and energy-efficient appliances and low-energy LED lighting were specified throughout.
Together, these measures help to lower running costs and reduce the home’s environmental impact while improving comfort.
Contact us if you are considering a similar refurbishment or extension of a period property in Dartmouth Park or further afield in London.
Project Details
Project Architect:
Becky Wootton
Structural Engineer:
Michael Hadi Associates
Location:
Dartmouth Park Hill, London NW5
Featured:
RIBA Journal Architects’ Journal Divisare Open House 2019