Some homes have all the charm in the world but still feel impossible to live in. That was the story inside this ground floor flat in a large Victorian villa in Hackney, where years of living with a cold, gloomy conservatory finally pushed the owners to look for a better way. They turned to Scenario Architecture, who saw not only the issues but the enormous potential waiting behind them. What followed is a renovation that blends modern light filled living with the grace and proportions of a century old home, and it has completely changed the way the owners use their space.
Scenario Architecture designed a warm, modern wood extension for a large Victorian house located in a conservation area in Hackney, London. The setting brought its own challenges since any proposal had to respect the original character of the villa. At the same time, the owners dreamed of a brighter and more open way to live, and they wanted natural light without losing the cosy proportions that define the old home. This balance shaped every decision in the design.
For years, the interior of the flat struggled under the weight of a large, old conservatory that did more harm than good. It blocked precious light from traveling into the living area and became almost unusable. Freezing in winter and overheated in summer, it sat empty while making the rest of the home feel even darker. The layout felt dysfunctional and disconnected from the generous proportions of the original villa.
The architects decided to remove the poorly built conservatory and replace it with a timber clad extension filled with glass. A green roof and sustainably sourced wood wraps the structure, softening the new addition and helping it feel at home against the wide back facade of the Victorian villa. The goal was simple. Bring in natural light. Improve the flow. Respect what came before while offering something fresh and functional for today.
Inside the extension, the connection between past and present is clear. A large original brick wall has been left visible, creating a natural divide between the Victorian portion of the home and the new addition. This wall sets the tone for the transition. It maintains the sense of separation the owners wanted while letting the extension feel modern and open. A built in bench sits against this backdrop providing a quiet corner to relax.
The extension includes a dining area that makes the most of its connection to the outdoors. Folding glass doors open directly to the backyard so meals can flow into the garden on warm days. With the timber cladding framing the exterior and the glass walls drawing in daylight, the dining zone feels open, calm, and perfect for everyday use.
At the far end of the extension sits the new kitchen. Light grey cabinets keep the palette calm while white countertops brighten the room even more. A green backsplash adds a subtle touch of color. Skylights overhead help pull in even more daylight so the kitchen never feels closed in. This space marks the fresh heart of the home with a layout that finally supports how the owners live.
Back near the sitting area, a short run of stairs leads back into the original living room. The architects kept the original back wall of the villa intact, along with its windows and doors, creating a sort of internal balcony. The old living room now looks over the new extension below, giving the lounge a private and cosy feel while still connecting it visually to the modern space.
What once felt like a compromised and gloomy flat has been transformed into a bright and balanced home that honors its Victorian roots while embracing modern living.