London-based practice TYPE Studio has completed a sensitive refurbishment and extension of a Victorian terrace in Denmark Hill, London, prioritising tactility, natural materiality, and a pervasive sense of warmth for a young family home. The project introduces a new kitchen and dining space alongside a rooftop extension, weaving contemporary functionality into the existing UK architecture.
The key intervention is the ground-floor extension, which addresses the failings of the original layout—a small, dark kitchen that was poorly connected to the garden. Type Studio has replaced this with a generous, light-filled area, defined by an immediate and strong connection to the newly landscaped garden. This is achieved through a strategically placed, frameless corner window and a large pivot door, effectively dissolving the boundary between the interior and the outside space to enhance indoor-outdoor living.
To ensure light penetrates deep into the existing floor plan, the dining area is placed directly beneath a substantial rooflight. This vertical shaft of light also works to separate the new space from the older part of the Victorian house, a transition subtly reinforced by a change in floor level and open shelving. The resulting space is a functional, inviting environment that moves beyond the typical constraints of a London residential extension.
The material palette is arguably the project’s defining feature, drawing inspiration from the historic construction of the original house. The architects selected simple, affordable, and durable materials—brick, terracotta, and timber—to give the project its distinct, earthy character. These include hand-moulded bricks laid in a subtle two-tone pattern, clay-fired floor tiles, cork, and unpainted plaster, all complemented by bespoke ash joinery. This considered selection showcases a commitment to craftsmanship and a departure from sterile minimalism, favouring a textured, tactile finish.
Above the main volume, a complete loft conversion adds significant new space, incorporating a generous bedroom, a shared bathroom, and a home office. The design here intentionally avoids the common feeling of being confined in an attic. The new bedroom features a vast, vertical panoramic window that dramatically frames views of the city and sky, making the new storey feel like a detached viewpoint. Light is again maximised in the bathroom, where a rooflight above the shower creates the sensation of being directly beneath the sky—a nod to the restorative power of natural light in urban architecture.
The scheme is positioned by Type Studio as part of an ongoing exploration into the adaptability of terraced houses. As a typology known for its flexible and long-lasting nature, built with an economy of means, the Victorian terracecontinues to offer a robust foundation for contemporary design. The Denmark Hill project is a compelling case study, demonstrating how a focus on materiality and spatial light can successfully reconfigure the existing built fabric to meet the needs of modern life without sacrificing the innate character of the family home.