A old single glazed conservatory at the rear of the clients’ house was unbearably hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It was overly exposed to neighbouring properties, providing little privacy and poorly configured, making it a challenge to use efficiently

The Anglo-American clients wanted an energy efficient, modest extension to replace the existing conservatory and serve as the family’s primary dining area. They wanted a contemporary structure reminiscent of American-style conservatories. The extension was to provide more usable space and improved privacy, whilst maintaining strong visual connections to the garden.

The challenge was to reference American, suburban architecture while simultaneously relating to the house’s Edwardian style. Tall vertical sash windows reflect the elegance and rhythm of the existing French doors. Deep oak fins between the windows express this verticality whilst diminishing neighbouring views into the property.

The timber fins and windows rest carefully atop a fair faced concrete plinth, grounding the new conservatory. White oiled oak cladding, combined with exposed concrete, creates a calm palette and subtle contrast to the existing London stock brick and white painted house.

Internally an oak bench spans across the rear elevation ensuring the most efficient use of the small 10sqm space. Occupants can sit against the glazing, experiencing the garden and landscape while still protected from the heavily overlooked site.

A strip skylight between the extension and existing house separates new from old and, together with the timber fins, cast dramatic and changing shadows inside the space throughout the day.