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When the owners of a Victorian residence in London decided to extend their living space, sticking to the established conservative architectural style was never a part of the plan. An older brickwork extension didn’t do the property justice, and they had something much fresher and more modern in mind. Architecture firm Hayhurst & Co. took inspiration from bright, airy vibe of the classic beach house for the two-story extension, wrapping it in white-stained larch for a breezy contrast against the original brick.

Beach House Victorian Apartment Hayhurst
Beach House Victorian Apartment Hayhurst

Built-in outdoor furniture and planters in the same material surround a tiled concrete floor, blending the interiors right into the garden. Window shutters are made of the same white larch, offering camouflage when closed, and a large glass door opens out onto the concrete pad, which acts as a ‘rug’ to pull the entire space together.

Beach House Victorian Apartment Hayhurst inside addition
Beach House Victorian Apartment Hayhurst inside addition

A skylight pulls light into the double-height study inside, while a dining room and family kitchen occupy the ground floor. Plywood interior walls continue the minimalist, fuss-free feel.

More from the architects

“The property is located within a conservation area in north London. It is a typical example of Victorian terraced housing where the original character of the street frontage is retained whilst the rear of the properties undergo extension, alteration and adaption. Modifications that suit the individual needs and demands of the families that now occupy them.”

Beach House Victorian Apartment Hayhurst outside addition

The development of the property provided only 7m2 of new floor area – infilling the remaining return to the ground floor. But it allowed the rear of the property to be opened up into a practical, full-width space with only a nominal reduction in the size of the garden. The alterations also included a separate study and an additional bedroom to the first floor.”

“The white-stained, larch cladding wraps around the inside and outside of the tiled floor to form seats, planting beds, storage areas and the kitchen units: similar to the way that furniture is arranged around the perimeter of the rug in a traditional room. The cladding extends to form the rear elevation of the extension and includes openings for shutters with larch-clad shutters.”