On the Thames - stunning extension to a home on the river

• Project Type: Renovation and Extension

• Location: South West London

• Project Profile: The project involved a single storey extension to a listed house overlooking the river.

• Build Time: 8 months

Stunning single storey extension to a locally listed, converted stables house located on the Thames. The new extension was designed to create a new family and entertaining space that maximises the fantastic views of the garden and river beyond. 

As the property is a listed building the design had to be sensitive to the surrounding area and also the current house. Therefore, it was decided that the  design should take advantage of an original high wall that runs along the boundary to the street. The extension was built off of this wall, and as such, no element of the new design is visible from the street scene.

Homeowner Brief:

The owners of the house wanted a light, functional and spacious addition to the house, whilst being sensitive to the existing home and its surrounding garden. One of the key elements of the project brief was that all of the key spaces should take advantage of the views over the beautiful garden, weeping willow trees and the river.

Home Profile:

A former stables that was converted into a detached house, with a large rear garden backing onto the river Thames. The property is locally listed and within a conservation area.

Selection of views

Key Design Features

As part of the design process the Model Projects team explored the form of the extension to reduce the overall scale and size. The use of varying heights and protrusions were used to add drama to the design. 

One of the key elements of the design was the glazing. The overall plan was to achieve a Crittall Industrial look with black frames to contrast with the red brickwork. The window and door shapes were to vary as you transition through the extension. 

As you move through the gallery space to the kitchen, you have a series of arched windows with Crittall detailing. The main kitchen and dining space has a series of balanced oversized Crittall doors leading out onto the main patio area. To the end of the extension, the study benefits from a glass corner window that takes advantage of the views. 

A subtle glazing feature is a hidden, high level slit window to the playroom that sits above the gallery space.  

Red brickwork was chosen to help tie the new extension with the current house. Other features include a light coloured tile patio area that  leads out from the extension.

Click Through Gallery

Moving Inside

The kitchen and dining space has become the centre of the house, with all of the key spaces radiating from it. The space benefits from high ceilings and oversized doors overlooking the garden. To access the space you walk along a new gallery hallway leading from the original house. 

The kitchen is centred around a large central island with a narrow rooflight positioned above. The units are simple with a rich blue colour and brass handles. This style flows through to the pantry and bar areas. 

Lighting also forms a key element of the design. A large light is featured over the island with directional spotlights.

Another interesting feature is the internal glazed wall that separates the home gym from the study. This allows the spaces to stay divided, whilst allowing the gym to benefit from the views of the garden.

Other elements include a new library within the space of the old kitchen,  and a playroom with built-in furniture and painted in rich tones.

Before and After 3D Cut-through Plans

Before: 3D Floorplans

Route to Planning:

Due to the property being located in a Conservation area a homeowner full planning application was required to gain planning.