Winifred House

This East London project was commissioned by a young family with two children who had recently purchased this early 20th century end of terrace house house and wanted to turn it into their long-term home. From the outset the brief was clear: they did not want a typical extension but a design that would maximise the potential of the house.

Located beside London underground line, the building required careful treatment of the eastern façade to limit train noise. A protective outer layer was therefore introduced, forming a buffer to the interior spaces. At the same time, a perforated brick lattice was developed within the secondary outer wall, allowing light and movement to be perceived without direct exposure, subtly acknowledging the passing trains.

The project includes a double-storey extension and a roof extension, alongside significant internal reorganisation. Daylight became a primary driver in shaping the plan, with openings and circulation arranged to bring sunlight deep into the house. The clients also preferred calm and uncluttered spaces, guiding the interiors toward a restrained, minimalist character.

No formal garden design was requested. Instead, a simple hard landscaped terrace sits in front of the ground floor extension, while the remainder of the garden was left largely natural, with softer planting and occasional wet areas. The intention was for the house to merge with greenery along the south and east boundaries, allowing the plot to feel quietly absorbed into its landscape.