This is a late Victorian mid-terrace 3-bedroom house in Hackney that was completely unmodernised when our client bought it.
The original layout was emblematic of the “two up, two down” houses from this era, which were not designed for contemporary living or the demographics of their current occupants.
The kitchen occupied the narrow outrigger which left a slither of garden space that was barely useable.
The living spaces were compartmentalised, and the flow through the house was via the poorly lit stairs and hallway, making it a drab to navigate.
We created a side infill to make the kitchen more spacious, allowing for a generous island that improved both functionality and flow.
We extended the kitchen further back to accommodate a dining area and a separate sitting area, creating a truly multifunctional family space that seamlessly connects to the rear garden.
The side and rear extensions are designed as two distinct mono-pitched volumes, each incorporating a series of skylights to maximise daylight penetration into the heart of the house.
Additionally, the loft extension includes a skylight above the staircase, further illuminating the interior with swathes of daylight.
The double loft extension provided two additional bedrooms, allowing us to merge the front and rear rooms on the first floor into an exceptionally spacious master bedroom with walk-in wardrobes and a generous ensuite featuring both a shower and a bath.
On the ground floor, the front and rear rooms were preserved as separate sitting areas but linked by an enlarged opening to create a seamless entertaining space while still allowing distinct activities to take place with a sense of privacy.
I chose Patrick after talking to four other architects.
He was genuinely considerate, friendly and knew the area well; all qualities key to good planning outcomes - and to a positive building experience. He certainly fulfilled and exceeded all our expectations; swiftly achieving full planning permission while engaging courteously and straightforwardly with all affected parties.
He was imaginative and holistic in his approach and even contacted us when he was on holiday abroad to keep the project to timescale. I honestly feel we made the right decision and wholeheartedly recommend him.
Catherine C.
