Historic in the Front, Modern in the Back: 8 London Townhouse Extensions

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Homes are more than just buildings. They are social and historical snapshots from a previous era, and as society changes, the spatial layout of homes can easily grow obsolete and antiquated. When first built, one of the driving goals associated with London’s Victorian and Edwardian residences was to provide private accommodations for a large amount of people, and under the demands of the Industrial Revolution, homes with such priorities flourished. But, decades later, many of these cramped and excessively subdivided homes have ceased to serve as havens for the rhythms and patterns of contemporary life.

Answering the need for increased light, higher ceilings and multi-programmatic spaces, architects have reimagined and converted many of these homes, rendering them more current. These projects have undergone refreshing geometric shifts, now boasting functional kitchen, dining and living spaces. Whether by employing timber in warm hues or extensive glazing with pitched skylights, architects have reimagined and converted many of these homes from dysfunctional mazes to residential edens.

Power House by Paul Archer Design, London, United Kingdom

Using a highly sculptural extension, Power House takes an alternative approach to modernizing one of London’s typical Victorian terraced homes. The new double-height kitchen at the rear of the property was created through interlocking volumes, made from frameless glass and linear timber panels. Glazing allows direct sunlight to penetrate deep into the plan, while cladding provides light patterning and shading.

Downside by forrester architects, London, United Kingdom

Like most Victorian houses, the kitchen at this red-bricked house was too small and with only modest window-framed views of the garden. The new staggered extension creates a geometric shift, and offers generous connections with the outdoors. The roof is painted with a Swedish preservative paint treatment that produces a beautiful matte finish.

High Kitchen by A-Zero Architects, London, United Kingdom

The goal of this project was to convert a London basement into a new kitchen and bicycle workshop with garden access. The new double-height space increases both visual and aural connection, creating a new rhythm throughout the house. The materials were considerately chosen to respect old and new — pine flooring, turquoise-painted steel rods and exposed brick are used throughout.

Dove House by Gundry & Ducker Architecture, London, United Kingdom

Like Downside, Dove House was transformed from a dark and narrow kitchen into a multi-programmatic kitchen and family room. Now filled with sunlight, the ground floor was expanded into unused yard area, forming an internal light well between old and new spaces. Composed of black-stained larch and polished concrete, the monochrome palette contrasts with the Edwardian colors of the existing structure.

Arbour House by nimtim architects, Greater London, United Kingdom

With low ceilings and awkward, narrow living spaces, the client hoped to extend her small 1950’s home in order to create more usable kitchen and dining areas. Inspired by contemporary Japanese domestic architecture, nimtim created a space filled with a distinctive character and quality materials. Using exposed Douglas Fir frames and poured concrete for the floor, the simple palette creates a warm environment with a slight pink hue.

Relf Road by OFFICETWENTYFIVEARCHITECTS, London, United Kingdom

At Relf Road, the architects created a bright transitional space that would link the garden with the ground floor of the house. The wrap-over glazing allows uninterrupted views from sky to garden, while the brick finishing complements the London home’s existing stone. Throughout the kitchen, polished concrete and wipe-clean surfaces make upkeep easy — an indisputably important factor in a modern family home.

Clapton Home by Scenario Architecture, London, United Kingdom

The clients of Clapton Home had lived in the ground floor flat for several years before deciding to renovate it. The flat featured an old glass conservatory that was completely dysfunctional — freezing in the winter and overheating in the summer. However, with a wide back façade, the flat had enormous conversion potential. The large timber clad extension keeps the original back wall of the house intact, while also opening up the new living and dining area to plenty of natural light.

Church Crescent by Andrew Mulroy Architects, Greater London, United Kingdom

A semi-detached Edwardian building, Andrew Mulroy Architects extended the rear of this house and reconfigured the upper levels in order to allow for increasingly spacious living. Previously cramped spaces now boast high ceilings, floating stairways and floor-to-ceiling glazing. Along with these upgrades, the house’s energy efficiency was greatly improved, adding thermal insulation to the walls and roof.

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