De Beauvoir Extension

This extension in De Beauvoir is an exercise in contextual design, sitting comfortably in its early Victorian surroundings on Southgate Road, Hackney.

The new rear extension directly references the partial-width rear outriggers, gently pitched roofs, and bay windows found on the existing rear facades. The window-seat bay gently projects into the rear garden, echoing the forms of the original house.

Architectural concept

The external material palette is also informed by the contextual approach, with ivory brick and lime mortar that closely resemble the original building.

Contemporary detailing and oak joinery create a subtle distinction between old and new, allowing the extension to read as a modern addition while remaining sympathetic to the Victorian fabric.

A low-level concrete datum runs through the external walls, creating a unifying horizontal line. In the flank wall, a niche in the brickwork forms a concrete bench at this level, offering integrated outdoor seating and a place to sit within the depth of the wall.

Internal material palette

A polished concrete floor runs seamlessly from the garden terrace into the internal sitting and dining areas, visually and physically connecting inside and out. Italian limestone and unpainted lime plaster walls complete the internal material palette, creating a tactile environment with natural textures.
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The bespoke kitchen features limestone work surfaces, oak-lipped joinery, and brushed stainless steel hardware. These durable materials were selected for their longevity and ability to age gracefully over time.

Energy Efficiency

A range of thermal improvements were carried out to the existing property to increase comfort and reduce operational energy use. Chimney flues were insulated and made airtight to minimise unwanted heat loss and draughts.

Wood fibre insulation was applied to the existing external walls, improving thermal performance while maintaining breathability. Aerogel perimeter insulating strips were used at junctions to reduce cold bridging.

In addition to insulation, airtightness membranes and tapes were specified throughout to limit uncontrolled air leakage.

Timber flitch beams were employed in place of conventional steel where possible, reducing the embodied energy of the structure while allowing for slender floor and roof profiles.

Contact us if you are planning a house extension or refurbishment in De Beauvoir, Islington, or elsewhere in North London, we would be pleased to discuss your project.

Project Details

Project Architects:
Matt McKenna and Christian Brailey

Featured:
Dezeen
YinjiSPace

Location:
Southgate Road, De Beauvoir, Hackney N1

Photography:
Christian Brailey

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