Copleston Road in East Dulwich feels like you’re in a suburban town rather than South East London, tree lined streets and large villas provide an open leafy environment yet still close enough to quickly arrive at London Bridge in 18 minutes.  This existing Victorian Town house was split over 3 floors and unusually had the addition of a large bay window to the rear facade.  The property required extensive refurbishment but the main focus for us was on the ground floor whilst the clients attention was drawn to the upper floors.  After establishing the design brief with the client we carefully formed proposals for a new single storey side and rear extension with internal re-configurations that were both sensitive and sympathetic to the original building that would restore and work in harmony with the period features.  Looking at the site and existing floorplans carefully, we were able to look at various concepts that provided function, form and flow.  Sometimes when adding an extension to your home the first thought is to build the extension as large as possible, however, by stepping part of the rear elevation of the extension it creates a more interesting form. The stepped glazed facade captures focal points of the interior which also create interesting plays of light entering the building.   Internally the reception was retained and large beautiful folding timber doors were refurbished providing access into the library.   The library can be completely shut off for peace and tranquility with the folding doors and also a concealed large pocket door that sits behind the bookshelves.  Having a split floor level between the front and rear of the property can add drama and glimpses of yet more spaces to explore.  As we continue down the split level your eye is drawn towards the shaker panel kitchen and views out to the garden through large structural glass panels.  The steelwork to support the existing bay window to the rear, fire places and walls over were quite complex for a rear extension, this then focussed our attention to exposing the steel beam to provide a contrast to the white walls and ceiling over.  More light enters the kitchen extension with electronically operated Velux windows, that can open if the room reaches a certain temperature but can also close if rain is detected on the glass.  The interior styling is modern yet reflects the period features, where possible original elements of the existing Victorian dwelling have been retained and highlighted, where new areas have been created sympathetic paneling and decor providing a warm tone palette of materials and finishes.  Special care and attention to detail has been taken with the lighting to create mood lighting when needed, task lighting where required and ambient lighting to highlight the architectural details.

Copleston Road is definitely in our top ten of favourite projects, we think the quality of workmanship, attention to detail and the way our photographer captured the early evening light really provide a sense of outstanding finish that was achieved.  We love the moody library that can be shut off from the rest of the house, the expansive views to the garden, the attention to detail.  The wall panelling in the kitchen has a concealed remote controlled access panel, that once open-end reveals a flat screen TV.

Proposed Floor Plan

1. Entrance
2. Hall
3. Reception
4. Library
5. WC
6. Utility
7. Kitchen Dining Area

Proposed Section

1. Reception
2. Library
3. Bedroom
4. Bedroom
5. Loft (suitable for conversion)
6. Bathroom
7. Bedroom
8. Bathroom
9. Bedroom
10. Kitchen/Dining area