Emil Eve Architects adds "elegant and light" Douglas fir extension to London home

A thin frame of Douglas fir timber brings a "sense of lightness" to this pavilion-like extension in London, recently completed by local studio Emil Eve Architects.

Named Talbot Road, the project adds a large kitchen and snug at the back of an Edwardian end-of-terrace in the Highgate Conservation Area.

Home extension in London by Emil Eve Architects — Emil Eve Architects has completed a pavilion-like extension in London

Looking to strengthen the home's connection to its garden, Emil Eve Architects created a lightweight timber structure with a latticed roof that extends outwards to form a deep pergola.

"The owners wanted an inspiring addition to the house's period architecture, so we developed a deliberately contemporary design," Emil Eve Architects director Ross Perkin told Dezeen.

Exterior view of Talbot Road Douglas fir extension in London — Its timber structure forms a deep pergola at the home's rear

"This was centred on the idea of a pavilion which has real impact while still feeling elegant and light, and creates a sense of connection with the landscape," he added.

Stepping down from the level of the main home, the layout of the extension was led by a desire for it to face the garden in two directions – from the kitchen to the north and from a smaller snug to the south.

Talbot Road interior by Emil Eve Architects — A large kitchen and snug are contained in the extension

Rather than divide the space with walls, the snug area is demarcated by another drop in the floor level, as well as a circular skylight above and a section of low wall extending from a thin column to one side.

The latticed Douglas fir roof structure has been stained white, contrasted below by bespoke oak joinery and storage for the kitchen counters.

Oak and Douglas fir extension interior by Emil Eve Architects — Bespoke oak joinery and storage are used in the kitchen

"The staggered form of the extension allows it to connect with the garden on two sides – feeling like you are really 'in' it, rather than just looking 'out' over it," Perkin said.

"Although the space is largely open plan, we have used level changes to delineate different areas – for instance the snug."

"The timber roof structure has been left exposed inside too and its pattern also creates a sense of different spaces within the plan, with light being cast through from the different-shaped roof lights," he added.

Outside, the large pergola both helps to prevent the glazed extension from overheating and shades a patio space, wrapped by thin Douglas fir columns atop cast concrete feet.

Ridged ceramic tiles made from 50 per cent recycled waste were used to clad the exterior of the extension, while thin metal frames surround a series of large sliding windows and doors.

Kitchen interior at London home extension by Emil Eve Architects — The timber roof structure has been left exposed inside

"The small details are what make it stand out and for that we are grateful to our excellent contractor," said Perkin.

"Our close working relationship is what made bespoke elements – like the in-situ cast concrete feet which provide both weatherproofing and bring a sense of lightness to the pavilion – work," he added.