The brief was to undertake a deep retrofit and extension of a Mid-20th Century semi-detached house. Care had to be taken with works to the external fabric due to the fact the house is situated in an Architectural Conservation Area.

Extensions were required to the rear and side, creating an open plan living area that addresses the east facing garden, as well as a new bedroom and bathroom at first floor to accommodate their growing family.

The two-storey extension to the side and rear consists of a simple rendered master bedroom and bathroom at first floor sitting on a concrete canopy, supported by two off-white brick walls, one continuing into the interior space. At ground floor, the concrete canopy overhead creates a transitional space between the new open plan living area and the existing garden. Circular and rectangular punctures through the thick canopy give a sense of depth and create a play on shadow and light that changes throughout the day, further reinforced by the hit and miss brickwork detailing. The simple palette of brick and concrete is complemented by carefully considered timber joinery, hardwood timber windows and a polished concrete floor, with a pop of colour in the tall kitchen units.

 A significant upgrade of the existing fabric of the house was undertaken, bringing the house from a BER D rating to a A2 rating. The works included dry lining the existing walls, insulating the attic and the installation of a new insulated concrete ground floor. Due to the work gone into the building fabric, the client was keen to utilise as much clean energy sources as possible, opting to install an air-to-water heat pump and solar panels, as well as a mechanical-ventilation-heat-recovery system, which will all work efficiently due to the improved building envelope.  These upgrades speak to UN SDG 7 Clean and Affordable Energy and UN SDG 13 Climate Action, helping to contribute to the move towards clean energy and away from the use of fossil fuels. It also speaks to UN SDG 1 Sustainable Cities & Communities by improving our existing building stock, ensuring the houses continuity of providing a functional family home that is of value to established community and ACA..