New Cross house is a sustainable refurbishment and extension of a Victorian house in south London. A new two storey timber framed rear extension comprises of a first floor study that embraces views to the mature maple trees at the rear of the garden whilst the lower ground floor creates connectivity between the garden, kitchen, dining and lounge. White oiled timber flooring throughout the house harmoniously connects all the new and existing spaces together, creating a warm and characterful family dwelling.

The project briefing sessions started out by exploring and testing spaces that could cater for 3 teenage children, a homeworking environment and a vibrant social space. The existing kitchen, conservatory and utility were in poor condition and there was no clear connection to the long garden which is elevated from the lower ground floor level. Journeys between existing social and private spaces also felt dark and disconnected. 

Our discussions around the client’s Jamaican Heritage and strong connections to nature and well being were important personal stories and struck a chord with our own beneficial experiences of courtyard architecture in Asia. This led us to designing a new intimate courtyard garden as the centre point for the lower ground floor and develop a timber narrative for the extension, kitchen and furniture. Through intricate detailing, the UK grown timber frame extension achieves a lightweight, forest like appearance, rooted in context whilst presenting a global story. A careful balance of different timber species for windows, beams, fronts and furniture ensure a playful and meaningful atmosphere that heightens experiences of light, shadow, sound and touch.

We used timber to mediate between nature, building and the family. The surfaces are inviting to the hands, as are the stair handrails, kitchen handles and bookcase furniture, which form 'an elaborate network of touch'. Finishes are allowed to wear in time imbibing a sense of honesty and expression. Utilising homegrown timbers including English Douglas fir for the entire extension and a contrasting English fumed oak, for furniture and kitchen panels, echo the tropical hardwoods of the Caribbean, whilst also ensuring consideration of locally sourced materials and sustainability.

Joinery and Furniture designed by Poroban and Pinfold Workshop.  Windows fabricated by CAB Workshop.

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Photos by Ollie Hammick​