A bronze tile-clad residential extension by Dominic McKenzie Architects reinterprets the original building
Dominic McKenzie Architects’ comprehensive renovation of a large Victorian house in Hampstead, north London, includes the addition of a back extension whose distinctive roofline takes inspiration from the profiles of the main house and surrounding buildings. Likewise, its cladding of bronze tiles was chosen to blend tonally with the brickwork of the house.
The addition replaces an existing – slightly smaller – modern extension, and accommodates a dining room and living area on the ground floor and a study on the first floor. Continuous glazing in the dining room and living area allows uninterrupted views of the rear garden.
“Seen from the rear, the interior space to the left follows the triangular roof profile to create a greater feeling of generosity over the dining table”, notes the architect. “To the right, the upper part of the extension contains an office space with a large openable picture window framing the garden, beneath which is an informal living area for reading and watching TV”.
The bronze tiles used to clad both the walls and roof are handmade, and their dimensions derive from those of the roofs. “The bronze itself was applied in its natural state, similar to a bright copper, and will gradually weather over time”, says the architect. Internally the walls and ceilings are lined in maple.
Existing and new floor plans, sections and elevations
To the side of the house, the rear extension connects to a newly enclosed, glass-roofed ‘Garden Passage’ which provides secondary access to the garden from the front of the house.
Restoration to the remainder of the interior has undone some of the “insensitive” work of previous renovations. A new, but historically accurate stair from basement to second floor was reinstated in its original position. Doors, cornices, architraves, skirtings and ceiling roses are new, but were chosen for their historical accuracy.
The interiors were designed in collaboration with designer Suzy Hoodless. Key rooms include a walnut-lined library and work space which opens off the main living room. The library has an inset fireplace lined with Welsh slate. The kitchen is in pale grey with a matching grey marble island and splashback. The master bathroom is lined with travertine.
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