RIBA Chartered Practice

Ivydale Rd

The project consists of the substantial rebuilding of a dilapidated Edwardian terraced house, including side, rear, roof and basement extensions.

The client wanted a new open-plan ground-floor kitchen/dining room connecting to the garden and a new second-floor master bedroom with a terrace overlooking Nunhead Cemetery. They also wanted to make the house as energy-efficient and sustainable as possible.

Rather than retain the existing heavy-weight uninsulated masonry first floor (while extending below and above), we proposed rebuilding the rear addition with a zinc-clad lightweight timber frame. This allowed us to insulate the full envelope and to include a mechanical ventilation system (with heat recovery).

The project also includes an air source heat pump supplying all the heating and hot water, and 6kWp of solar panels with battery storage (achieving grade A on the EPC).

The French doors and timber windows are made of Accoya, and the tall side windows are installed on parallel opening hinges. All floors feature large format sliding oak veneered pocket doors. The terrace incudes a built-in bespoke zinc planter and cedar screen (for the heat pump). The first floor includes a small green roof and the ground floor extension includes corner-opening sliding folding doors, Oak panelling, Oak rafters, and a clear resin floor finish.