Nimtim Architects has completed a bold and uncompromising extension to a Victorian end-of-terrace house in north London

Buildings.

Photos
French & Tye

Designed by Nimtim Architects, Block House is an end-of-terrace Victorian dwelling in Stoke Newington, north London. The existing building was dilapidated and priority was given to upgrading the structure and fabric, as well as creating an open-plan family space on the ground floor. A new side extension has been built following demolition of the lean-to conservatory. Cost-effective and robust materials – more often associated with industrial rather than domestic architecture – are employed to create a sense of warmth and lightness.

Buildings.

A double-height internal courtyard is located the centre of the plan with a glass block wall to one side and an opening rooflight above. Intended to organise and choreograph the spaces around it, the courtyard space also brings daylight and ventilation to parts of the plan that might otherwise remain dark and airless. Garden-based materials distinguish the structure from the surrounding living areas, reinforcing its identity as a conceptually external space.

Ground-floor plan; section; axonometric

The extension’s structural walls are made from grey cement block with exposed aggregates (matte on the outside and polished internally). Sandblasted glass blocks provide diffuse light internally, and when lit from inside at night, illuminate and visually break-up the exposed side flank wall.

Buildings.

A large sliding door allows most of the rear elevation to open out onto the garden. European Oak flooring, terracotta tiles and soft pink concrete kitchen worktops add warmth and tactility to the interior spaces.

Additional Images

Credits

Architect
Nimtim Architects
Structural engineer
Blue Engineering
Main contractor
JTN Construction

Doors, windows
Fineline
Glass blocks
Glass Box Technology
Oak floor
Havwoods
Pendant lights
Skandium