13 South Parade

This project allowed for the conservation of the existing protected structure at 13 South Parade and for a new single storey extension to the ground floor. To facilitate the extension it involved the removal of later substandard additions to the main house which were in a very poor state of repair. The extension provides the house with accommodation which meets current living standards but in doing this not impinge on the architectural character of the main house. This is achieved by the creation of a new south facing courtyard space which traces and identifies the position of the existing annex building and allows quality natural light to penetrate both the new extension and the existing kitchen space forming a coherent whole. The new extension to the rear is formed by the wrapping of the existing boundary walls onto the new rear extension elevation, one boundary in reused stone and one boundary in reused brickwork. These elements are linked together with a high performance glazed screen to create a contemporary but complimentary architectural language to the existing house.

The property enjoys the benefit of a very large and well orientated garden, unfortunately the existing house had a very negative connection with this garden as access was through the a small rear door located under the existing stairs. The alterations create a very positive connection with the existing garden space, both visually and physically, by locating the main living and family areas into this garden space. A visual and physical link is created from the garden through to the kitchen space, therefore enabling this space to act as the one family space, whilst retaining the character of the existing house. The intention is that the lines between the internal and external spaces are blurred and that this young family will be allowed to fully enjoy this fine urban garden and enjoy all the benefits that this visual and physical interaction that this space will bring. The material pallet and finishes of the extension are intended to complement the existing finishes, i.e. rendered wall finishes, reused stone and reused brickwork salvaged from the demolition on site and supplemented as required with local matching stone and bricks. High quality and thermally efficient new glazed screens and doors and timber cladding to the first floor bathroom to echo the original bathroom structure of the main house. The works to the existing structure are carried out in accordance with best conservation practice through careful conservation of the existing fabric and allowing this wonderful house become a home for a new generation and protecting this historic building for decades to come.