Terraced Victorian houses are part of what gives London its unmistakable charm. Their brick façades line the streets with elegance and character. But behind many of those handsome exteriors, the reality can be very different. Rooms at the rear were designed for another century and another way of living. They are often dark, cut off from the garden, and lacking the easy flow that modern family life demands.
That was the starting point for this project by architecture firm Finkernagel Ross.
A Bold New Chapter at the Rear
Finkernagel Ross designed a modern glass extension for the rear of the London home, completely rethinking how the property connected to light and outdoor space. What once felt enclosed and disconnected has been opened up in the most striking way.
At the heart of the transformation is a dramatic double height frameless glass extension. It encapsulates the new family living areas at ground level and the first floor above, creating a vertical sense of space that immediately changes how the home feels. Structural silicone glazing was used throughout to draw as much natural light as possible deep into the extension and back into the original house.
It was not a small undertaking. Renovation on this scale required careful planning and coordination. The architects guided their clients through every stage, from planning applications and cost consultancy to project management and interior design. Securing permission for the double height glass infill involved a complex series of applications, but the end result speaks for itself.
Designed for Modern Living and Entertaining
The extension was conceived with entertaining in mind. Instead of a series of separate rooms, the new layout allows the living space, dining area, and kitchen to flow naturally into one another.
The kitchen sits slightly raised, subtly defining it from the rest of the open plan space. Dark cabinetry adds depth and contrast, while concrete floors give the interior a contemporary edge. Oak countertops introduce warmth, balancing the cooler tones of the materials and tying the scheme back to the character of the original home.
Above and around, expanses of frameless glass sit against the existing brickwork, creating a striking contrast between old and new. The effect is difficult to put into words. Light streams down through the space, bouncing off surfaces and reaching corners that were once permanently in shadow.
Warmth, Light and a Seamless Garden Connection
Despite the vast areas of glazing, the space feels intimate and welcoming. A suspended pivoting fireplace provides both warmth and a sculptural focal point within the open plan living area. It anchors the room, offering a cozy counterpoint to the transparency of the glass.
Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors line the rear of the extension, opening directly onto the patio and a raised secluded garden beyond. When fully opened, the boundary between inside and outside almost disappears. Even when closed, the uninterrupted views and daylight create a powerful connection to greenery.
This project shows how architecture can respect the past while completely reshaping the way a home functions. By embracing glass, light and vertical space, Finkernagel Ross have turned a once gloomy interior into a dynamic setting for modern family life.