McGarry-Moon unveils Kingston-upon-Thames cottage extension
Northern Irish practice McGarry-Moon Architects has completed this house extension in Kingston-upon-Thames.
The former hung tile-clad gatehouse has been renovated and a 176m2 extension added to turn the dilapidated site into a family home.
The mid-19th century Victorian house, which is designated a building of townscape merit in the Coombe Wood conservation area, had previously stood as a marker for the entry to Richmond Park and is set within large gardens.
The new two-storey extension offers a contemporary contrast to the existing house using an iroko timber glulam structure and board marked concrete walls.
A separate 72m2 garden room has also been added which is approached from the main building via a louvred timber walkway.
Commissioned in 2012 to extend the cottage and create a large family home required an architecture of restraint. With the cottage restored to its former glory, the new extension meets the old with a touch of glass. Its palette is muted but precise, with crafted iroko timber glulams meeting sharp board-marked concrete walls. Together they form a restrained but striking palette that sits comfortably next to the detailed tiled faces of the cottage.
The finished scheme manifests itself as a new two-storey extension, with a separate garden room building. The double height space above the kitchen and dining area flow into the more secluded lounge. Looking out over the still pool and the retained mature trees, one encounters the garden room.
A separate building, the garden room acts as a self-contained retreat, approached under a louvered timber walkway.
Environmental concerns were considered throughout the project, with the concrete walls and flooring providing essential thermal mass, and green roofs reducing the water run-off and also filtering pollutants.
The result is a project that allows the architectural languages of the contemporary and Victorian to relate to each other and form a stimulating and respectful dialogue. The delightful cottage has been fully restored and can again be appreciated for its architectural and historical interest, whilst now also providing a 6 bedroom family home.