Reeded House

A double-storey reeded glass extension filters natural light through the living spaces, whilst providing privacy from neighbouring buildings within the tight urban site.

Split over four floors, the house was disconnected, without a clear hierarchy of spaces and a tiny kitchen. It was also cold, damp and energy-inefficient.

It is also overlooked by an eight storey office building opposite the garden, which blocked precious sunlight, and caused privacy issues for the rear facing rooms.

The approach was to re-imagine the existing house, but rather than simply add extra space, a series of internal moves were made to transform the house into something connected, comfortable, spacious and bright.

A slender 2m deep rear extension now vertically connects the living spaces with the kitchen below. However, to avoid privacy issues, a reeded glazed facade is used to distort views and diffuse the light, creating a dramatic double height dining room in the process. A new staircase becomes a focal point to draw people through the house.