This existing detached Victorian property sits on a long, narrow south-facing plot. The front of the property forms part of a cohesive Victorian street scene, yet the rear garden views were dominated by a patchwork of single storey extensions and styles.

Our brief was to increase the available living accommodation whilst maintaining privacy and views to the garden, which we achieved by designing a new single storey rear extension which provides a new open-plan kitchen, dining and living space.

The required privacy is provided by a layered design approach. Full height glazing is screened by a second skin of louvres, which work as a filter to eliminate overlooking and excessive solar gain whilst allowing unimpeded views out. The louvres are made of untreated cedar slats spaced at various distances which extend across the entire facade. The new outlook for the existing first floor bedrooms is the extension’s green roof.