Rear extension, East Oxford

Our client came with the requirement for an additional bedroom and study. Following design exploration of a number of options a single storey rear extension with a lean-to roof form was settled on.

The striking black timber weatherboards are charred in a traditional Japanese technique. The process gives a stable, non-staining black colour which does not need coating or treatment. The charred finish deters the decay while enhancing the subtle natural grain pattern in the timber.

The roof is a planted with a living topping of sedum plants in a low weight growing and drainage medium. The green roof is visible from the garden and from the bedroom window above. It provides a bio diverse habitat, reduces summer heat gain, enhances the lifespan of the roof membrane and slows rainwater run-off in to the storm water system. It also looks wonderful.

A corner window with a build-in bench seat gives an ideal place to sit and read in the sun. A roof window gives plenty of natural light and high level ventilation.

The existing kitchen window was blocked up to allow the extension. This allowed us the opportunity to from a new kitchen door and window on the east side of the building. The new door and window help to visually tie the new extension to the existing house. The frame material is black powder coated aluminium to match the extension window frames and there is a small area of black charred timber cladding below the window. The placement of the new opening allows the morning sun to penetrate the kitchen and the glazed door allows direct access to the kitchen garden in the side yard.