Hidden Courtyard

A Grade II listed Georgian house built in the early 18th century had been extended with a conservatory that had an awkward relationship with the original house and restricted views and access to the garden. The house is a fine example of a Georgian property, with well-proportioned windows and built with good quality brickwork.

Our proposal was to replace the conservatory with a new brick extension that we disconnected from the house to enable the original rear façade and brickwork to be appreciated.

The new extension accommodates a garden room and dining area with views back to the kitchen via an internal courtyard. The extension was constructed from handmade bricks and laid with lime mortar to match the Georgian brickwork.

The design featured three equal rectilinear doors/windows, responding to the original well-proportioned and ordered rear elevation.

The extension allows natural daylight through to the new open plan kitchen and enabled views from the entrance hall through to the south-facing garden. 

An inner courtyard provides further natural daylight and allows views from the kitchen through to the new dining area.

A glazed link serves as the main back door of the house, with the rooflight above providing a minimal sensitive connection to the original house.

The roof becomes the fifth elevation and is overlooked from the principal sitting room on the first floor. Finished in handmade brick paviors, it matches the brickwork of the extension.

“We are delighted with the extension Sara designed for our house, which has transformed the space.”
– Client