Planning Permission and Dulwich Estate approval have been granted for a rear / side extension for our Winterbrook project in Southwark. Other external changes such as new windows and doors have also been approved.

The existing building is a beautiful Victorian semi-detached house. Whilst the main body of the house contains nicely-proportioned rooms with high ceilings and period features, the kitchen and dining room to the rear are of a lower quality. Our brief was to replace this dingy kitchen with a bright and characterful open-plan kitchen and dining room, along with functional upgrades throughout the house.

The existing kitchen is set within an old extension of poor quality which does not suit modern family life. Its replacement is key to improving, daylighting, thermal efficiency and quality of the internal space, however, planning constraints are restrictive. The site is located within the Stradella Road Conservation Area, and is also part of The Dulwich Estate, meaning approval by the Dulwich Estate Scheme of Management is required for any proposed external works.

Our design for the replacement extension is intended to contrast with the existing building to provide both legibility of the original building line and allow it to be read clearly as a contemporary addition to the property. An oriel window projects to form a window seat within, below which a plinth is clad in black terrazzo with coloured aggregate. Above the glazing, black timber fins add texture, and are topped by a metal coping which is colour-referenced to the terrazzo. New slimline glazing sliding doors are installed to the outrigger, along with new double-glazed sash windows throughout.

Internally, the extension is connected with the former dining room to create an open plan kitchen, living and dining space. Secondary access is provided from the side via a new boot room. The front room becomes more formally defined as the living room with sliding arched doors separating it from the middle room - a TV snug. Coat and shoe storage is added to the hallway, along with a utility cupboard.

The oriel window forms a banquette seat for lounging, with dining adjacent. Junctions between the walls, ceiling and concealed structure are softened with curves, with a clay plaster finish adding a textural quality.

The kitchen is laid out rationally as a linear run with a supersize island. The curvy structure is reflected in the edges of the island and the ribbed detail which wraps round the bar seating end. Tall units frame an open shelf of veined stone and include a bar with a reeded glass front.

Winterbrook - Planning Permission & Dulwich Estate Approval!