Riversdale Road
Open Plan house extension in North London
An existing Victorian terrace property with lower ground, ground and first floors was renovated and extended create a more flexible and practical living space, to improve the quality of the finishes and strengthen the visual relationship with the garden to the rear.
The kitchen was relocated to the centre of the plan between the existing living area to the front and a new dining area and garden room. Walls to the existing closet wing were removed and opening into the house enlarged providing direct views into the garden. An existing lean-to conservatory was replaced with a structural glass extension fabricated from three pieces of structural glass with a glass supporting beam avoiding the need for solid mullions. A projecting bay window was designed for the garden room with extra thin profile sliding doors. A new external terrace paved with ceramic tiles flows from the inside out enhancing the connection to the garden.
Underfloor heating was specified throughout along with engineered timber flooring within the existing house with a raised floor level. An existing chimney was removed from the party wall to allow the kitchen worktop and cabinets to run the full length of the room. A standard kitchen cabinet was customised with a stainless steel worktop, appliances and floating wall shelfs.
Existing drainage services were diverted to open up the internal space and new underground drainage installed. New services were carefully concealed and co-ordinated with the structure to ensure the new internal finishes were seamless and external appearance maintained.
The alterations of the house were approved under permitted development regulations simplifying the planning process.
The clients managed the build of the project with a knowledgeable builder they had developed a relationship with over a number of years, enabling them to finalise decorations, finishes and fittings for the rooms. Following completion the client commented ‘It feels like for the first time it’s our house and it’s just a pleasure to spend time in the downstairs space… the final product seems even better than what we had in our minds.’