A Green-Roof Extension Transforms a Historic London House

A modern wood extension with a green roof opens a Georgian home to the backyard with large folding glass doors.

In London, England, Turner Architects took on the restoration and extension of a Cubitt-built Georgian terraced house set within a conservation area. Once left in poor condition, the home has been brought back to life while keeping its original character intact.

The structure still follows its traditional layout across three storeys, with studies, bedrooms, and bathrooms stacked vertically. This arrangement forms a buffer between the street-facing rooms and the newly added extension at the rear.

A restored Georgian London terrace blends classic architecture with a clean, modern extension at the rear.

A Modern Extension With a Green Roof

At the back of the home, a new wood-clad extension introduces a more open and contemporary feel. It stretches out toward the backyard and is topped with a green roof, adding a layer of greenery above the structure.

Large folding glass doors connect the interior to the outdoor space, allowing natural light to move freely through the extension while opening up the home to the garden.

A modern wood extension with a green roof opens a Georgian home to the backyard with large folding glass doors.
A modern wood extension with a green roof opens a Georgian home to the backyard with large folding glass doors.

A Dining Space Defined by Contrast

Inside the extension, the dining area keeps things simple but striking. A black table and matching chairs sit against a backdrop of white walls and gray floors, creating a strong contrast that anchors the space.

The folding glass doors sit just beyond, making the dining room feel bright and open while maintaining a clean, minimal look.

A black dining table pops against white walls and gray floors in this bright, modern extension.

A Sleek, Linear Kitchen

Next to the dining area, the kitchen follows a linear layout in warm wood tones. The cabinets are completely hardware-free, giving the space a smooth, uninterrupted finish.

A dark gray backsplash adds depth and ties in with the flooring, keeping the palette consistent while adding just enough contrast.

A minimalist wood kitchen with handle-free cabinets and a dark gray backsplash keeps the look clean and modern.
A minimalist wood kitchen with handle-free cabinets and a dark gray backsplash keeps the look clean and modern.

A Courtyard at the Center

Between the kitchen and dining space and the living room, a small courtyard introduces a quiet focal point. At its center sits a single tree, framed by sliding doors that open directly onto the space.

Inspired by courtyard layouts found in Dutch paintings, East Asian homes, and cloisters, this outdoor pocket creates a sense of separation while still keeping everything visually linked.

A small courtyard with a tree sits between rooms, framed by sliding glass doors for a calm indoor-outdoor connection.
A small courtyard with a tree sits between rooms, framed by sliding glass doors for a calm indoor-outdoor connection.

Warmth in the Details

Throughout the extension, thick wood window and door frames bring warmth to the otherwise minimal interior. These elements soften the clean lines and add texture without overwhelming the space.

They also help tie the newer addition back to the older structure, creating a subtle connection between past and present.

Thick wood window frames add warmth and texture to this clean, modern interior.
Thick wood window frames add warmth and texture to this clean, modern interior.

The Original Layout Lives On

While the rear of the home introduces a more open way of living, the front maintains its formal Georgian layout. Rooms are arranged across three levels, with each space serving a clear function.

This layered setup creates a natural divide between the street-facing side of the house and the more open, contemporary extension at the back.

The original Georgian layout remains intact, with stacked rooms across three storeys preserving the home’s character.
The original Georgian layout remains intact, with stacked rooms across three storeys preserving the home’s character.
The original Georgian layout remains intact, with stacked rooms across three storeys preserving the home’s character.

This London terrace shows how an older home can be updated without losing its identity. By keeping the original structure and introducing a modern extension with a courtyard at its center, Turner Architects created a home that feels both familiar and new, with each space flowing naturally into the next.


Photography by Adam Scott Images | Architect: Turner Architects | Structural Engineer: Bini Struct-e Ltd. | Kitchen Supplier: West & Reid