Part of a fine Victorian square in South London, the existing Grade II listed 1850 house has been sensitively renovated and extended by Dominic McKenzie Architects (DMA).

Inspired by the arched windows and openings in the historic house, DMA’s design balances contemporary playfulness with sensitivity to the listed building and context. Our particular ambition was to produce a highly crafted and materially original extension that lasts for generations to come.

Responding to the surroundings of dark weathered brickwork, DMA’s extension fits sympathetically – a largely solid form read as part of a composition with the house’s original outrigger to the left.

To subtly differentiate the extension from the existing house, the new bricks feature a graphic arch or segment motif. The bricks were then arranged in a Flemish bond pattern matching the main house wall and pointed with lime mortar.

The bespoke bricks were made by WH Collier, a company that has produced handmade bricks since 1863. For Segmental House, five unique timber moulds were used to cast all the facing bricks in the extension. As well as the segment/arch motif bricks, a brick special is also used around the large glazed arch opening addressing the rear garden.

Regarding the interior, the clients had expressed their love of Scandinavian Modernism, particularly its use of timber panelling. Here, DMA paid close attention to Gunnar Asplund’s 1936 Gothenburg City Hall.

The lower ground panelling is made of Douglas fir plywood arranged in two bands: a solid upper panel and a slatted dado layer. Rounded timber mouldings are used for joints and to add articulation to the panelling.

The panelling is installed with incredible craft and attention to detail throughout the lower ground. Joints are perfectly chamfered. Secret doors conceal a hidden pantry and a TV cupboard.  A special arched opening at skirting level allows the owners’ pets to access their hidden food bowls, an echo of the primary arched glazing in the rear extension.

Generally a lighter touch was employed for the upper floors, respecting and restoring the existing historic detail of the listed house. At upper ground floor a new opening was created between the front and rear rooms – matching the detail of an existing arched recess found on an adjacent wall. A new master bathroom was created in the first floor rear room.