Southgate, North London Extension & Renovation
Project Year: 2019
Country: United Kingdom
Postcode: Southgate, North London
Ali and Aysha's North London renovation project was the creation of an era-sensitive extension to provide a family kitchen and snug area. To maximize the benefit of the extension space, the whole ground floor layout has been reconfigured. This gave the family the opportunity to think about not only their extension but their home in a new way. Aysha had completed a lot of research prior to this and set clear criteria. The initial planning application was rejected. However, the second, and successful, planning application instead of limiting the design, allowed us to enhance the layout and created the unique features so loved by our clients.
The industrial style extension to this Victorian house has provided a new open plan space which is flooded with natural light, and opens out onto the rear garden. Internally the space is dramatic with large vaulted ceilings, full height glazing, and large oversized rooflights. The industrial crittall style doors, a key feature for the family, are carried through the internal design; from the front of the house towards the rear, opening into the formal living room and then leading through to the open space at the rear.
The restrictions of the planning authority meant the team at Model Projects had to think very differently to give new form, size, and depth to the proposed new extension. The resulting form was a staggered approach with the extension longer to one side than the other. This maintained the integrity of the design and blended naturally with the neighboring properties. It brought into its own the concept of an exposed brick wall, matching the London brick of the house construction. This blended perfectly with the steel doors and merged the industrial features. The extension was designed with a pitched roof, to lower the size and bulk on the boundary line. This staggered approach was enhanced by the unique glazing that followed the form of the house and the pitch of the roof.
Selection of views
Key Design Features
As you move through the house from the front door to the rear, the contrasting styles enhance the original period features. The entrance has patterned black and white tiles that lead you to the original staircase leading up to the first floor.
The front living room or drawing room is opened up to the entrance hallway with a large set of crittall style French doors and fixed windows. This design feature brings the industrial style inside and increases the natural light in the entrance hallway.
As you move towards the rear you enter the open plan kitchen, dining, and family area through another glass crittall door. As you enter the space, the whole back of the house opens up to the full width of the property, with large glazing across the whole rear wall. The family's wish, now achieved, was to see the garden as part of their new space. The kitchen is of a modern shaker style in rich deep blue. The layout is a single run unit with a large central island. The island feature is where the family congregate and socialize. The kitchen has contrasting herringbone timber flooring and London stock brickwork walls.
There is a hidden utility room to the center of the house as this area does not benefit from natural light.
The industrial crittall style doors, a key feature for the family, are carried through the internal design; from the front of the house towards the rear, opening into the formal front living room and then leading through to the open space at the rear.