Kieran Wardle Architects undertook the extension and renovation of a Victorian house in Hackney, north London, The project addressed key spatial limitations and the relatively poor flow of the original house. The project involved creating new ground floor extension aimed at enhancing flexibility in the living and kitchen areas, while also reconfiguring the entirety of the rest of the 4 storey house.

The clients faced a common issue: key areas of the Victorian terraced house did not effectively serve their needs. While the two larger front rooms offered reasonable proportions and clear definitions, the rear of the house was a relatively cramped, dark space with low ceilings. These less-appealing areas restricted access to the garden, detracting from the overall living experience and leaving the garden cut-off form the house.

To resolve this, the design aimed to create a more flexible space at the rear of the house that would echo the proportions and scale of the more spacious front rooms. The new layout allows for a seamless flow from the formal living areas to the front of the house to a well-designed and fully equipped kitchen area and finally to a gathering space for entertaining and dining in the evening.

Key to this transformation was the intelligent concealment of storage, WC and access to a basement, allowing these spaces to adapt to varied uses without sacrificing flow or functionality. Kitchen cabinets were designed in collaboration with Uncommon Projects to accommodate a large multi-functional kitchen island in the centre of the space, with taller storage units housing key appliances and a clever built-in bench seating with hidden storage. A utility room and cloakroom were positioned within an under-used basement space with a new staircase installed to provide direct access from the kitchen. This provided a fully-functional kitchen and utility area with WC while preserving the integrity and flow of the family spaces.

The design language employed a harmonious mix of materials, including concrete, terrazzo flooring, and bespoke timber joinery, paired with high-quality exterior brickwork. This contemporary extension was crafted to complement the original Victorian architecture to create a multi-functional series of spaces that enhance the light and flow of the house.

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