Studio Carver has completed an American-inspired prefabricated house extension in London’s Belsize Park

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Photos
Richard Chivers

Designed for a young Anglo-American family, Studio Carver’s extension to an Edwardian house in Belsize Park, north London, draws its inspiration from traditional Mid-Western timber conservatories. Built for £75,000 on a ten-square-metre plot, the oak-framed structure sits atop a concrete plinth and replaces an existing conservatory. The aim is increase both daylight and privacy, as well as provide a greater connection to the garden.

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Two-metre-high, vertical sash windows maximise daylight in the living area and are intended to reflect the elegance of the existing rear French doors. Deep oak fins between the windows create a sense of rhythm, while emphasising the vertical nature of the facade. They also reduce views into the house from neighbouring properties. Sustainably-sourced, white-oiled oak cladding is combined with poured concrete and zinc to create a calm palette that contrasts subtly with the existing brick and white-painted house.

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Inside, a bespoke oak bench spans the room, creating a spatially efficient dining space that is closely linked to the surrounding garden and landscape. A large, strip skylight makes a clear delineation between the old and new elements.

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Working with Devonshire-based carpentry company Emanuel Hendry, the structure was designed and tested off-site before being re-assembled in Belsize Park. This reduced construction time and costs.

Additional Images

Credits

Architect
Studio Carver
Contractor
PRODUK
Timber frame
Emanuel Hendry