Contemporary architecture meets biodiversity, sustainable design and sensitive conservation in our latest North West London residential project.
At Square Feet Architects, we believe the most successful home extensions do more than create additional space. They transform how people experience their homes, connect with their surroundings and enjoy everyday life.
Our latest residential project in South Hampstead, London NW6, explores precisely this approach: a contemporary rear extension to a detached Victorian house, designed around a richly landscaped, biodiverse garden.
Working in collaboration with award-winning garden designer Sara Jane Rothwell of London Garden Designer, we've developed a proposal that brings architecture and landscape together to create a tranquil urban retreat.
A Contemporary Extension That Respects Its Victorian Setting
Located within the South Hampstead Conservation Area, the existing Victorian property has a distinctive architectural character and a generous, mature garden.
The proposals replace a poorly insulated 1970s extension and lightweight conservatory with a carefully considered, energy-efficient contemporary addition.
Designed as an understated garden pavilion, the new single-storey extension combines generous glazing, simple architectural forms and a restrained material palette.
Rather than competing with the original Victorian house, the extension sits quietly alongside it, creating a light-filled family living space with a much stronger connection between indoors and outdoors.
The result is a contemporary intervention that celebrates the character of the existing building while responding to the needs of modern family life.
Putting the Garden First
What makes this project particularly exciting is the emphasis on landscape.
Rather than treating the garden as a backdrop to the architecture, we've made it central to the design.
The proposed landscaping introduces 16 new trees, approximately 95m² of wildflower green roofs and a 33% increase in green landscaped area, creating a significantly richer environment for people and wildlife.
Layered woodland planting, ornamental grasses, native ferns and pollinator-friendly flowers will create a naturalistic garden with changing textures, colours and seasonal interest.
New wildlife habitats, bird boxes and hedgehog corridors are also incorporated, helping to strengthen biodiversity within this important green part of London.
A carefully positioned garden room and timber seating areas offer quieter places to work, relax and enjoy the landscape.
Sustainable Architecture in a Conservation Area
Designing contemporary extensions within London's conservation areas requires a careful balance between innovation and sensitivity to historic character.
At Woodchurch Road, the proposed extension has been deliberately reduced in scale and designed to remain subordinate to the original house.
Replacing inefficient existing structures will improve the building's environmental performance, while extensive green roofs, permeable landscaping and new planting will help manage rainwater naturally.
The project demonstrates how sustainable residential architecture, contemporary design and heritage conservation can work together.
Architecture and Landscape, Designed Together
Our collaboration with Sara Jane Rothwell builds on a working relationship spanning more than a decade.
By developing the architecture and landscape together, we're creating a home where the boundaries between interior and exterior become less distinct.
Large glazed openings frame views of the garden, while natural materials and carefully considered planting create a sense of continuity between the house and its surroundings.
The proposals are currently at the planning stage, and we look forward to sharing further developments as the project progresses.
Planning a House Extension in Hampstead or North West London?
Whether you're considering a contemporary rear extension, renovating a Victorian property or exploring the possibilities of a home within a conservation area, Square Feet Architects can help you develop a thoughtful, practical and beautifully considered design.
Get in touch with Square Feet Architects to discuss your residential project in Hampstead, West Hampstead, St John's Wood or across London.