Architecture for London meticulously crafted the stunning Stone House, a rear extension project that seamlessly expands the living areas of the Grade II listed home while preserving its unique character.
The architects’ keen eye for detail is evident in the harmonious blend of stone, concrete, and wood, resulting in a monolithic masterpiece. Notably, they even added a charming arched entrance specifically for the owner’s beloved feline companion.
The rear extension, designed as a stone pavilion, showcases the use of locally sourced natural stone with low embodied energy. Limestone piers rise from an agglomerate stone plinth, forming the structure of the extension.
The heavy oak framed glazing follows the proportions of the historic facade, and a large pivot hinge door opens onto the terrace, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Externally, an oversized concrete header reveals limestone quarried in Derbyshire, adding visual weight and suggesting permanence. The existing rear lightwell has been extended to create a stepped sunken terrace, crafted from bush-hammered stone that appears to have been carved into a rock face. This unique terrace curves to follow the sun’s path throughout the afternoon, providing a series of benches bathed in light.
Inside, the lower ground floor has been transformed from smaller dark spaces into an open and inviting kitchen centered around a four-meter-long stone island. The design also includes a secluded room for yoga, offering a contemplative space with an expansive view of the sky, inspired by James Turrell’s skyspace structures.
The bathrooms continue the theme of carved-out spaces, with rich textures of limestone and Tadelakt walls creating cave-like monastic rooms dedicated to the daily rituals of ablution. The attention to detail and thoughtful design choices make Stone House a true architectural gem, blending seamlessly with the existing home while adding a touch of modern elegance.