Kitchen Extension, Coulsdon

Situated within the grey ring of the mighty M25, Coulsdon forms part of the southern-most extremities of London's urban sprawl. The house in question enjoys a rural sensibility while benefiting from being closely connected to the metropolis. Out of a single window you can observe grazing horses while with the same eye observing the capital's new spire, The Shard, reaching toward the heavens.

The property has been extended in the past, a small lean-to accomodates the utility room and downstairs WC and the kitchen projects slightly out of the side of the building. These extensions, while no doubt add value by isolating the utilitarian areas and promoting the living spaces, have left the plan feeling muddled and unbalanced. The expansive living/dining room feels over generous, whereas the kitchen feels mean and marginalised.


Priority one on the client's brief; extend the kitchen. Priority two; rationalise the plan.

We sought to shift the focus of the plan. Rather than being centred upon the living room, we suggested the house should be centred upon a kitchen-dining room, leaving a more intimate 'snug' rather than a living room. The kitchen is divided by the breakfast bar into a cooking-space and an informal dining/sunroom.The collection of different roof treatments to the existing extensions becomes homogenised, as the new extension unifies and extends these add-ons, reaching into the expansive garden; an aperture trying to catch a glimpse of the distant city.

Also see http://www.architek10.com/Coulsdon.html