Professional writers Aurelie and Daniel Chambers bought a traditional Victorian terraced house in Hackney, north London, with a view to turning it into the perfect retreat for themselves and their two cats.
The property was liveable, but far from in keeping with the couple’s house design preferences – or their lifestyle. For starters, at the rear sat a leaky polycarbonate conservatory, while the home’s layout was disjointed and impractical.
The windows also didn’t do the property’s location justice. Located beside a Grade II-listed wall bordering a woodland park, the interior lacked real connection to the abundant nature right outside.
Project details
- Location Hackney, north London
- Project Side return extension and internal reconfiguration
- House size 120sq m
- Build cost £200,000
- Architectural designers Office S&M Architects
Expert help
Aurelie and Daniel called in the experts at Office S&M Architects to help them redesign the home, wanting to address its structural and functional shortcomings, while also making the most of the view.
The couple also wanted to create a multifunctional kitchen space where they could cook, dine, read and source inspiration from their environment. Architect Malin Bergman took the lead on the project, proposing a thoughtfully designed side return extension to replace the existing conservatory.
It would almost mimic the shape and scale of the addition and would accommodate a generous kitchen and dining area, with custom integrated reading nooks and playful features for the cats, including a climbing frame and scratch pole.
Malin also suggested reconfiguring the ground floor footprint to create an effortless flow between spaces. By rejigging the layout, space would also be made for a new cloakroom and utility room.
Finally, carefully positioned windows – including a circular rooflight – would frame picturesque views, enhancing the home’s connection with its surroundings, while simultaneously bringing lots of light into the interior.
Once the plans were set, they were submitted to Hackney Council for approval and permission was achieved in just 10 weeks. The project was then put out to tender and Magic Projects were taken on as contractors.
Work gets underway
Work began in the summer of 2023, with the demolition of the existing conservatory. Screw pile foundations were laid, not only to provide support to the addition, but to protect the roots of the ancient trees nearby, and the foundations of the historic arboretum wall.
The new curved extension idea was constructed from Douglas fir timber and lined with slimline windows. Within eight months, the project was complete. Aurelie and Daniel love how their newly refurbished home is a tranquil, pared-back oasis, where nature takes centre stage.
Externally, a mix of lilac tiles, Douglas fir and green framed glazing elements were chosen to reflect the shades of the changing seasons.
From the architect’s perspective, too, it’s been an undoubted success. "It’s been wonderful to incorporate so many natural materials and timbers into the house, allowing us to create a home that not only connects with its surroundings, but is made from it, too," says Malin. "The design celebrates the property’s natural context, while preserving its integrity."
Interior plans
For the finishing touches, a simple, stripped back palette of natural materials and colours has been used throughout the home. Douglas fir was selected as the unifying detail and used in many instances – from the bespoke joinery to the window frames and custom furniture.
Yellow wall tiles, pastel-blue cabinetry and red light fixtures add bold pops of colour, while raw terracotta kitchen floor tiles echo the earth of the forest floor.
Soft upholstered seating wraps around the dining and kitchen areas, paired with wall lights and a fold-out table, providing the perfect spot for reading and relaxing. A bespoke cat climbing frame finishes the space and features flexi areas for rest, including a bed – heated, of course.
Every aspect of the new extension has been designed to cater to both Aurelie and Daniel – and their cats.
If you enjoyed looking round this property, you may also want to check out this ultra-modern home in west Sussex which measures just three metres wide. Or, tour this charming Cotswold barn that was converted from a run-down cowshed.
