An Award-Winning Rear Extension Replaces An Old, Dilapidated Glass Conservatory

(Image credit: Matt Clayton)

THE PROPERTY

A Victorian modern home in an East London conservation area, in Hackney / Clapton area, E5, had a dated and dilapidated glass conservatory at the back that was crying for an overhaul. Enter Scenario Architecture. 

The architects added a glazed rear extension with a sustainably-sourced timber-clad frame housing the kitchen and dining area. The home’s original rear wall remains intact, with its windows and doorway repurposed as internal “balconies”. It's a striking transformation, with a new kitchen and modern concrete floor where the old conservatory used to be, with modern mirrored steps leading up to the traditional drawing room, with original detailing still intact. The striking and clever design won it the NLA Don’t Move Improve award in 2017.

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KITCHEN / DINER

The owners lived in this ground-floor flat for years before deciding to renovate. Its dilapidated glass conservatory froze in winter, overheated in summer and restricted natural light coming into the adjacent sitting room. But its generous proportions offered great potential for a redesign. The owners brought on Scenario Architecture who designed this modern rear extension with plenty of natural light while respecting the segmented layout of the original Victorian structure.

(Image credit: Matt Clayton)

The architects collaborated with local planners to secure support for their bold proposal: a glazed rear extension with a sustainably-sourced timber-clad frame housing the kitchen and dining area. The home’s original rear wall remains intact, with its windows and doorway repurposed as internal “balconies”.

(Image credit: Matt Clayton)

See Also:A Victorian Terrace in London With A Modern Rear Extension

The curved balustrade wraps around a corner bench with built-in storage, turning this nook into a cosy space with a view of the garden.

(Image credit: Matt Clayton)

The small staircase itself is impressive too, pairing traditional and modern styles; a herringbone parquet top, with mirrored glass sides.

(Image credit: Matt Clayton)

The original exposed brick wall provides a warm, textured and raw contrast to the sleek white kitchen, with smooth, handleless cabinetry.

(Image credit: Matt Clayton)

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A wall of floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows make a striking feature.

(Image credit: Matt Clayton)

Aside from the wall of glass doors and the large window above the kitchen sink, there's a skylight here too, so natural light pours in from every angle, connecting this space to the garden.

(Image credit: Matt Clayton)

(Image credit: Matt Clayton)

See Also:Crittall-Style Doors, Windows And Room Dividers

LIVING ROOM

The transition from original Victorian home to the modern rear extension is particularly striking from the living room. Original wood shutters where the former doors and windows used to be now frame the views into the kitchen and out through the new steel-framed glass wall beyond.

(Image credit: Matt Clayton)

See Also:A Georgian Home Is Updated With Crittall Doors And A Playful Palette

GARDEN

The new structure is made from wood and glass, providing a modern contrast against the original brick facade. The angular structure also holds a meadow-like 'garden' on its roof, so that green views can be enjoyed from the windows above.

(Image credit: Matt Clayton)

Bifold doors open up completely, blurring the line between indoors and out.

(Image credit: Matt Clayton)

(Image credit: Matt Clayton)

See Also:A Clever Garden Room That Doubles As A Chic Guest House

Photography: Matt Clayton