Neil Dusheiko Architects - Islington House

Neil Dusheiko Architects

• 2013

A rear extension and internal remodeling of a dilapidated Victorian terrace house bringing an abundance of natural light deep into the heart of the home.

*Shortlisted New London Architecture Don't Move Improve! 2013

The existing house was in a run down state and required considerable repair work. We agreed with the planning department to reinstate the traditional bay window that had been removed, this eased the way to getting permission for a substantial modern rear extension.

The remodeled house accommodates a family of five. The ground floor has been completely opened up into a single open plan space linking living room, kitchen, dining and garden together. The kitchen is placed at the heart of the home allowing the family to interact with one other across the space.

Large skylights the over the kitchen and dining spaces bring light right into the heart of home and creates a feeling of being outdoors and at one with the outside environment which was important to the family. This use of natural light is continued throughout the house, in the long slot window over the bath connecting to the garden and in the en-suite bathroom and master bedroom where use of more skylights creates the feeling of showering and sleeping under the stars.

This connection of the domestic environment to the outdoors is further reinforced by the palette of materials – the polished concrete floor runs seamlessly from inside to the garden through retractable glass doors. The utility spaces for the kitchen and the guest toilet are housed behind an Iroko slatted wall, which feels like an extension of the boundary fence further blurring the boundary between inside and outside.