De Beauvoir House
De Beauvoir House comprises a unique rear extension and sensitive refurbishment of a semi-detached family home in a Conservation Area, with a design that unites contemporary design with historic features.
Our brief was to remodel and extend the property, creating a two-storey extension that complemented the existing internal layout, and provided multifunctional spaces that work for the needs of the client’s growing family and interesting art collection. We focused on lightness and transparency with a new glulam timber framed structure to create a softer, more sustainable alternative to steel. Extra space was created by opening up and extending the living, dining and kitchen areas at garden level, and adding a study above, which doubles as a spare bedroom. A bespoke sculptural steel staircase connects the interiors on all floors and becomes the focal feature for the house.
In granting planning permission, Hackney Council praised the project for its ‘high quality lightweight design’, describing this as a ‘good example of contemporary design, incorporated into a traditional building form.’