Single Storey Rear & Side Extension in North London
Swiss Cottage, NW London
Status: Completed
Location: North West London, Swiss Cottage, Camden
Scope of works: Rear and side Ground Floor Single single-storey extension, open plan , and full refurbishment.
Before and After Rear Extension transformation
The existing semi-detached house:
This semi-detached property, located in Swiss Cottage, North West London (Camden Council), required a significant extension to enhance both size and functionality. The proposal involved a substantial increase in the building's footprint and volume, making it essential to design sympathetically to the host structure while carefully considering the impact on adjoining properties to secure planning approval.
Clients’ Brief :
Although the house was generously sized overall, the existing ground floor layout was not optimised for modern living. The primary goal was to maximise space, ideally creating an open-plan kitchen and living area that seamlessly integrates with the garden, providing a continuous flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. This new layout would allow for enhanced natural light and a more functional, cohesive living area.
Entrance view and side wood features (Guest toilet, Clock room and Plant room )
Design Approach: Open-Plan Kitchen and Ground Floor Layout:
To meet the client’s requirements, we designed a side and rear extension. This extension increased the total internal space by more than 80%, effectively doubling the ground floor area.
Despite the large size of the new open-plan ground floor, distinct zones were created through thoughtful use of lighting, furniture arrangement, and ceiling design. These zones were carefully integrated to ensure a natural connection between the entrance, reception rooms, and garden.
Rear Extension and glazing
1. Seamless Connection from Entrance to Garden: One of the defining aspects of the design was the creation of a strong visual axis from the entrance through to the garden. This open, flowing view is a key feature in our projects, designed to enhance both the visual and spatial connection while maintaining privacy.
2. Ceiling Design and Structural Integration: Several structural elements, including steel beams and columns, were carefully coordinated to support the open-plan space. These elements were subtly integrated with the ceiling design and lighting to maintain a clean, modern aesthetic, ensuring a harmonious connection between the various spaces and the garden.
3. ¨Sunken¨ Extension: The open-plan area was sunken by more than half a metre, creating a spatial distinction from the entrance, stairs, and reception rooms, without compromising visual continuity and creating a stronger connection with the garden . This design choice also helped to maximise headroom and create a more dynamic living space.
Guest toilet intergated in wood feature wall
