North Oxford is one of the great examples of domestic English architecture, conceived on a grand scale incorporating buildings both large and small. This house is one of the medium-sized semi-detached properties built for merchants. The client & architect had recently refurbished a couple of ‘sister’ properties in the immediate area which the client lived in. No. 7 Frenchay was to be refurbished and extended as a commercial venture with the client as contractor, together with a team of Polish craftsmen. |
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The courtyard is created to act both as a light well and ‘lung’.
The Building Regulations glazing allowance was divided between the large bi-fold timber doors and the rooflights which were carefully positioned on site to gain the maximum sunlight at the back of the room.
Roof pitches and materials have been kept to match the existing – including the use of second-hand bricks and lime mortar. |
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The extension was designed to provide a spacious kitchen/dining room to the rear opening out on to the garden. The plan respects the existing house – providing views from the sitting room, through a small courtyard to the south-facing garden beyond. The maximum benefit was obtained by the then ‘Permitted Development’ allowance of 10% of the existing volume. This allowed the extension both to push south (towards the garden) and west –achieved by supporting the existing first floor of the rear extension with a cranked steel beam to maximise the space. |
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While keeping within the sensitive vernacular of its environment, this extension achieves the maximum both of space and light.
The neighbour was so impressed that he mirrored the design! |
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small pictures above for larger views