Extension and remodelling of a Grade II listed mid-nineteenth century home on a garden square in Hackney, East London. Equal respect for period and contemporary architecture delivers a house of two halves, where cohesion and balance are achieved through a subtle palette and pared back material approach.  The experience of the house is radically transformed with the creation of a new kitchen, dining and living space which opens out on to a stepped garden.

Sitting on a classic period square, the three storey semi-detached villa has been in the possession of the owners for over 20 years. Their brief was to open up the lower ground floor, which had a compact kitchen with living, bedroom and ensuite - all featuring cellular spaces with low ceilings which felt out of balance with the generous upper floors. There was also very little connection to the garden due to a split level.