Braxfield House

The project brief focused on the need for a generous, adaptable and naturally lit kitchen/communal space for a family of four (mum, dad and two pre-teen children) including a much needed downstairs toilet. As the parents are both professionals, from the early stages we developed a series of options to integrate a small study space within the spatial flow without affecting circulation – this in turn informed and determined other key project outcomes like the position of the kitchen and the island, the views through the ground floor of the property and the proportions of all glazing overlooking the garden. Large french doors provide visual and physical connection to the garden and matching porcelain floor tiles internally and externally create the feel of a room seamlessly extending outside.

Having considered how the shared spaces are used by the family, their passion for reading and the opportunities offered by the new extension we introduced a wide, light flooded window retreat overlooking the garden and wrapped in natural oak. This can be used as a reading alcove, a place to relax and chat with friends whilst listening to music or watching your loved ones prepare dinner, or simply to display a beautiful plant. To form the seat we adapted the old worktop from the previous kitchen, adding patina and character, and we slotted in task LED strip lighting controlled via a separate circuit.

Dialogue with the Planning Authority in Lewisham focused on the massing of the extension, the height of the boundary wall with the neighbouring property and the finishes to the elevation facing the garden. Due to the demanding brief for the kitchen the proportions of the new build were successfully pushed to the limit – at the same time, the rear elevation was built in blue glazed brick, complementing the original London Stock with a high quality finish that enriches the garden elevations along the terrace with a bold contemporary statement.