Many properties deal with the backyard as one thing separate from each day life, one thing to take a look at by means of a window or go to when the climate is nice. This home in Hampstead, redesigned by MATA Architects, takes a much more related strategy. Created for a household with teenage youngsters, the challenge focuses on remodeling the decrease floor ground and rethinking how the home pertains to its south-facing backyard. Quite than including area for the sake of it, the redesign improves the best way the house is lived in and the way every room connects to the outside.
Earlier than the renovation, the home sat effectively above the backyard, with an extended staircase creating a transparent sense of separation between inside and out of doors. The architects solved this by bringing the principle dwelling areas nearer to the panorama. The brand new extension steps nearly a meter decrease than the unique stage, putting the household rooms instantly alongside the backyard. This straightforward shift modifications every little thing. The ceilings really feel taller, pure gentle reaches deeper into the inside, and the backyard turns into a part of on a regular basis life as an alternative of feeling like a separate space on the backside of the plot.
Designer:Â MATA Architects
The encompassing timber performed a serious function in shaping the design. Due to root safety zones, the footprint of the extension needed to be fastidiously deliberate. As a substitute of forcing a typical answer onto the location, the architects allowed these constraints to information the ultimate type. That cautious response offers the challenge a way of stability, as if it belongs naturally inside its setting.
The supplies assist reinforce that feeling. The outside is wrapped in hit-and-miss iroko hardwood battens, which add texture and heat whereas softening the traces of the brand new addition. Above, a tapering roof stretches outward to offer shade throughout hotter months. Its underside is completed in mirror-polished stainless-steel, reflecting the timber and sky overhead. It’s a refined element, however an efficient one, serving to the roof really feel lighter and fewer dominant within the backyard.
The standout function is the absolutely glazed nook going through the terrace. Massive sliding glass panels meet and not using a seen assist, permitting the nook to open utterly when the doorways are pulled again. When open, the lounge flows straight onto the terrace and into the backyard past. When closed, the glazing nonetheless maintains clear views and fills the inside with daylight. It’s the form of function that appears spectacular, however it additionally genuinely improves how the home works.
Inside, the lowered lounge sits on the coronary heart of the extension. The slight change in ground stage helps outline the realm throughout the open plan format with out the necessity for partitions. Full-height glazing retains the area brilliant all through the day, whereas views of greenery are seen from nearly each angle. Constructed-in timber shelving provides heat and prevents the room from feeling too minimal or uncovered. It additionally supplies helpful storage and offers the dwelling space a stronger sense of identification.
Dinesen ash flooring runs all through the inside, creating continuity and a relaxed, pure base for the areas above it. Within the kitchen, a big island in Bianco Eclipse quartzite acts as each a working floor and a gathering level. Positioned centrally, it permits clear views throughout the lounge and out to the backyard, serving to the kitchen really feel related to the remainder of the house.
Subsequent to it, the eating space brings a barely extra intimate ambiance. A wood-lined alcove, hearth, and built-in bar make it equally suited to household dinners or internet hosting associates. Smaller areas have been given the identical stage of consideration. The powder room incorporates a sculptural stone sink, combining tough texture with clear detailing, softened by heat timber and refined lighting.
The personal rooms proceed the identical considerate strategy. The first suite combines sleeping, working, and bathing in a single cohesive area, full with an built-in examine space and an ensuite with a timber soaking tub, concrete sinks, and stainless-steel fittings. One other bed room contains its personal hearth, including heat and character.
What makes this residence profitable is that each design choice feels purposeful. Nothing is there simply to impress. By reducing the principle rooms and opening them absolutely to the backyard, MATA Architects have turned a as soon as disconnected out of doors area into the pure heart of the house.
