We created the Link Building in a gap between a house and a garage. By incorporating just over 12 sqm external area into the main body of the house, we increased internal floor space by over 40 sqm.

The link gave the opportunity to re-orchestrate the layout of the ground floor of the house. The key objective was to connect different areas of the house, incorporate the external alley way and re-jig functions to make the most of the space. New link-structure unlocked the potential of the back of the house and allowed the creation of a new playroom, improved side entrance and utility areas.

The relation of the existing elements generated the design and the geometry of the proposal. We kept the profile of the new structure low, to manage the difficult junction of the pitched roof of the garage with the new roof and as so not to overpower the existing property’s front door. At the same time, we needed to incorporate the original, very tall side entrance into the design and keep the brick arch visible. 

The single pitched glazed roof is set out below existing coping stone to ensure simple junction was achieved between glass and brick. The bulk of this element was carefully hidden behind the angled roof. As you enter further into the extension the roof becomes much simpler - a top-lit glazed element runs parallel along the link with a glass door at the end of the space leading out to the garden. 

The external brick wall of the house became an internal feature. The new stone floor relates to the outside space. Specially fitted joinery units form a series of pockets with concealed doors to the kitchen, WC and coat cupboards. Just like magic...now you see them, now you don’t. 

The link was carefully detailed. The shadow gap underneath the brick wall, bespoke joinery and a lot of light turned the ‘gap between two buildings’ into a meaningful space that improved lives of our clients.

Project was shortlisted in the New London Architecture Don’t Move Improve! Awards 2019 and presented at the Exhibition in the Building Centre. Winners to be announced on 22nd of January 2019.