The design to remodel, extend and improve the thermal performance of this 1950s suburban house in St Albans draws on the mid-century origins of the house and features a single storey rear extension and a first floor side extension that will provide an additional bedroom and shower room. The original facade will be externally insulated and clad in timber boarding, replacing the original cedar shingles.

 

The remodelling of the ground floor will create a generous kitchen, dining and sitting area with a large island block forming the centrepiece.  The rear brick extension, staggered in plan, will form a raised planter and gateway into the garden. New landscaping will feature raised planters to integrate with the rear extension and provide variation in planting setting and opportunities to gather and sit. ‘Floating’ timber benches are proposed as part of this integrated design.