WOOLF RESIDENCE | Alexander Martin Architects

Located on the De Beauvoir Estate in Hackney, this project involved the refurbishment and extension of an early Georgian terraced house. The clients, both lawyers, were drawn to the house because of its period features and were keen to retain its original character. The house required a mix of contemporary open areas that let light in and offered views to the garden and surroundings, as well as more traditional rooms that echoed the owners’ interest in history and literature.

The extension was built with linear brickwork to complement the London Stock brick of the original house and punctuated with a floor-to-ceiling window and wide glass door to allow in plenty of daylight and views to the garden.

The new structure extends slightly forward of the rear of the house providing a small dining/study area off the kitchen. The kitchen is partially segmented from the lower ground floor of the main house which is open plan. A painted timber staircase with oak louvres leads to the upper floors, while the original Georgian stair between the raised ground and first floors was reinstated, together with the plaster works and mouldings.