This refurbishment and extension of a 1960s Modernist house in Primrose Hill was a unique opportunity. The property is one of only two detached houses in the Chalcot Estate and is surrounded on three sides by communal landscaped gardens. The wider estate is characterised by a consistent material palette of white-painted brick courtyard houses and terraces.
“AFL had the perfect balance of giving me new ideas, challenging me and respecting my wishes. Trustworthy, solution-oriented, creative and experts in their field – they were a pleasure to work with!” – Fatos, Primrose Hill
Architectural Approach
The key to this courtyard house is the relationship between the living spaces and the private rear garden. This connection has been strengthened with a large picture window to the kitchen and full-height sliding timber doors to the living area, framing views and bringing more natural light into the living spaces.
We removed unsympathetic later alterations and reinstated the original Modernist clarity to the building, while creating generous open-plan living spaces internally.
Rooftop Extension
A
rooftop extension creates a calm new space for yoga and meditation, with long views over the Chalcots Estate’s landscaped gardens. This was the first upwards extension in the estate to be approved under the new permitted development rules.
Materiality & Interior Details
Inspired by the trompe l’oeil in Azulejos tiles found in Portuguese manor houses, our design employs subtle shifts in material to create borders and frames in the new staircase, floor finishes and joinery details.
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These carefully considered junctions bring depth and character to the refurbished interior while respecting the simplicity of the original Modernist architecture.
Sustainability
High-performance insulation and an airtight layer have dramatically improved the house’s thermal performance. A whole-house MVHR system provides fresh filtered air with heat recovery, further reducing energy demand and improving indoor air quality.
An air-source heat pump now meets all hot water and space heating requirements, allowing the house to operate as a fully electric, fossil fuel-free home.
If you’re planning a refurbishment or contemporary extension in Primrose Hill,
contact us to discuss how we can help realise your project.
Project Architect:
Ben Ridley, Christian Brailey
Featured:
Dezeen YinjiSpace URDesign Afasia Magazine Location:
Conybeare, Primrose Hill NW3
Photographer:
Christian Brailey