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Delightful ground and first-floor extensions bring a tired Victorian house back to life

Location

Colomb Street SE10

Local Authority

Greenwich Council

Plot Type

Urban

Project Type

Extension

Accomplishment

First floor extension and reworking of the existing space

Services by Urbanist Architecture

Project Architect, Delivery Architect, Planning Consultant, Lead Consultant

Collaborators

Matt Clayton Photography

Team
Ufuk Bahar
Nicole Guler
Sky Moore-Clube

Challenge

Our clients wanted to add ground-floor and first-floor extensions to their mid-terraced house for more space and better quality living. Sounds simple enough. The ultimate challenge, however, was gaining planning permission in an area with strict design guidelines and strong opinions on the use of Crittall-style doors and windows.

Approach

One way to approach the situation would have been to hear the client's wishes and the council heritage officer's priorities and treat the two views as being in conflict with each other. A smarter approach - the one we took - was to work out how we could put together a design and a planning case that left everyone satisfied.

Solution

By demonstrating that Crittall-style windows and doors, while not Victorian, were timeless and would integrate well with the existing structure, we gained the planning department's approval.
The completed extensions created a spacious open-plan ground floor and an upstairs bathroom, enhancing the home's functionality and aesthetic appeal. The successful integration of all design elements made this project a standout favourite, showcasing how thoughtful planning can satisfy both clients and the council.

Before & After

Architectural floor plan of the existing ground floor for a home extension, featuring a detailed layout of living space, dining area, kitchen, and washroom, rendered in fine lines.
Location

Colomb Street SE10

Local Authority

Greenwich Council

Plot Type

Urban

Project Type

Extension

Accomplishment

First floor extension and reworking of the existing space

Services by Urbanist Architecture

Project Architect, Delivery Architect, Planning Consultant, Lead Consultant

Collaborators

Matt Clayton Photography

Team
Ufuk Bahar
Nicole Guler
Sky Moore-Clube

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