Rear Extension
Newington Green, Islington
First time buyers
This was Studio Wolseys first ever project, and my first house purchase. I was looking for a two bed flat, but as a first time buyer, couldn’t afford anything that size or in a good condition.
I stumbled across a 1 bed garden flat in Newington Green - being advertised with just one photo - which was being sold in a terrible condition, as a repossession. It was the ground floor of a lovely double fronted Victorian house, and had a private rear garden which felt like an oasis in the busy city. Behind the piles of rubbish, I could feel the potential and snapped it up.
Every inch
To fit in a second bedroom, we had to totally rethink the layout and how the flat could be configured. We decided that the two bedrooms could sit at the front of the original house - two equal sized rooms with lovely fireplaces and big Victorian windows. The principal bedroom has its own dressing area and ensuite, tucked into a previously unused space, under the entrance stairs to the upper flats. In a small flat it’s important to maximise every inch of space.
A new extension to the rear allowed for a new entrance hall and an open plan kitchen and living room. As the footprint of the flat is still relatively small, we wanted t0 minimise ‘dead’ areas like corridors and make all the spaces interlocking and useable. We focussed on zoning areas using different finishes and joinery - these act to define spaces as well as creating additional storage.
The brick picture wall in the living space, which connects to the garden planter in garden, zones the living space while providing shelving for art work.
The bookshelves between the hallway and living area divide the space, while also creating book storage and concealing a hidden pocket door.
The timber floor in the living room is mirrored in the garden with composite timber decking - so the living room flows out into the garden and becomes an extension of the living space.
The secret door
If there’s an opportunity to bring joy into a project, we’re always up for it. This flat is, fairly uniquely, accessed through a garden wall off the street. So we designed a secret brick gate, because why not. It always raises a smile - apart from from delivery drivers who can never find it!
Perfectly formed
The flat was totally transformed into a small but perfectly formed space. By increasing the floor area, reducing any wasted space and maximising storage, the resulting flat feels warm yet spacious. It was a perfect first flat - and when we sold it, it made a tidy profit too!
Suppliers
Timber flooring - Havwoods
Tiles - Domus
Sliding Doors - ID Systems
Sanitaryware - Crosswater