Stepped Timber Extension | Architects for West Brompton 

This mid-terraced house in West Brompton has a compact kitchen at the rear that feels small and disconnected from the rest of the home. The surrounding properties have extended into their gardens, creating a greater sense of enclosure than normal. There is a clear view of the sky which offers inspiration for a simple design solution.

The main challenge is the change in level between the house and the rear garden. Often treated as a crude transition, this junction is considered to provide a smooth connection between the rear lounge and the new kitchen space, improving the flow and connection to the ground floor layout.

The design proposal introduces an exposed timber roof, creased to form a canopy over the new rear lounge door connection the main house and the kitchen. Above, a series of oval roof-lights offering views upwards to the open sky allowing as much daylight while maintaining privacy from the neighbouring properties.