Wimbledon House Extension

This house extension and refurbishment in Wimbledon transforms a locally listed Edwardian property set within a generous garden plot. The project combines sensitive heritage refurbishment with carefully considered improvements to create a more comfortable, energy-efficient family home.

The property is located on Arthur Road, SW19, within the Wimbledon North Conservation Area, in the London Borough of Merton.

Site

The Merton Character Study identifies the Wimbledon Park area as having a villa typology, characterised by large homes set back from the street within generous plots. The buildings on Arthur Road vary considerably in architectural style and detail, although brick is the primary material to the facades. The variety in style reflects the changing urban fashions of the Victorian and Edwardian periods.

Design Concept

Currently at the detailed design stage, this Wimbledon house extension has been designed to respond to the scale, materials, and historic character of the Victorian and Edwardian houses in the conservation area. The design approach retains and enhances the most significant features of the existing property, while introducing discreet additions to the side and rear that improve the functionality and sustainability of the home.more

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The extension and refurbishment proposals aim to balance heritage conservation with the needs of modern family life. New work is carefully positioned to minimise its visual impact while creating better connections between the kitchen, dining, living spaces, and garden.

Detailed Design

The poor-quality garage on the western side of the property will be replaced with a new side extension. This will include a new garage, storage areas, and space for a heat pump with associated plant. The existing rear kitchen and store outrigger will also be replaced and extended.

At first-floor level, the staircase will be relocated towards the front centre of the plan. This will improve circulation and accessibility within the house. The family bathroom will be relocated into the smaller bedroom, creating space for a new en-suite bathroom for the principal bedroom. The en-suite will include a Juliet balcony, providing additional natural light and improved garden views.

At roof level, the existing side dormers will be altered and repositioned to sit more centrally within the roof slope. The proposal also includes a new rear dormer, and the entire roof will be insulated to improve energy efficiency.

Sustainable Home Improvements

The project adopts a fabric-first approach to improve energy efficiency. This approach prioritises the performance of the building envelope, with high levels of insulation, improved airtightness, and high-performance windows.

Natural, low-embodied-carbon insulation materials, such as wood fibre, will be specified for the original brick walls and the main roof. This breathable material reduces the risk of condensation while significantly reducing heat loss in winter.

Green roofs are proposed for the new flat-roofed elements, reducing surface water run-off and supporting biodiversity. The replacement garage will provide an electric vehicle charging point and easily accessible bicycle storage to encourage cycling.

New, more efficient heating systems will further reduce operational carbon dioxide and particulate emissions. Together, these measures will help create a more comfortable, energy-efficient and sustainable home.

Project Information

Project architects:
Ben Ridley, Matt McKenna

Project type:
Residential refurbishment and extension for a locally listed Edwardian property

Location:
Arthur Road, Merton SW19