The project retains the original extension, and replaces the coach house, essentially extending the extension. The new extension, on basement, ground, first and second floors, evokes elements of Foster’s treatment of the coach house and the original roof forms with angled facades, but also responds to the extension in its straightforwardness and careful calibration of space. A reciprocal relationship with the architectural character of the Foster extension is formed by the use of a limited palette of materials, an optimised and exposed concrete structure, and veiled views of the context framed by perforated aluminium sail-like roofs that control privacy, as well as preserving a memory of the original building.
The original extension required upgrading both structurally and environmentally and is returned closely to its original state. Inserted into the exposed concrete frame of the new house are highly crafted aluminium interior elements, formed both digitally and manually, that acknowledge an approach to invention represented in the original extension with a singular use of a material and exploration of the opportunities this affords.
The response to the sensitive and overlooked context is carried out through careful and forensic analysis of the site to determine ways of providing privacy for the occupants of the house and neighbours, long views out to the borrowed landscape of back gardens, access to sunlight and daylight, acoustic separation, and security.
Through the process of reinvention, the evolution of the retained, demolished and newly built structures speak to architectural history, layering and respect. Text description by the architects.
