Hertfordshire, UK
Residential | small rear extension
Light-Filled Kitchen Extension in Kings Langley
A small but transformative rear kitchen extension in Kings Langley, designed to bring more light, space and a much stronger connection between this beautiful family home and its garden.
Live Site Studio provided the architectural design and planning services, successfully obtaining planning permission for a carefully considered infill extension that demonstrates how even a modest addition can have a significant impact on the way a home is experienced and enjoyed.
The existing kitchen was relatively small and felt disconnected from the garden. Our approach was to create a sensitive contemporary intervention, responding to the proportions, character and architectural style of the existing property while allowing the new extension to have its own identity.
Rather than simply introducing a wide set of glazed doors across the rear elevation, the design uses a carefully composed arrangement of openings to create architectural interest while drawing natural light and views deeper into the house. A large fixed pane of glass provides an expansive view of the sky and garden, allowing these connections to be experienced from further within the existing plan.
The restrained contemporary detailing sits comfortably alongside the original architecture without attempting to replicate it, creating a clear but sympathetic relationship between old and new.
Although the additional footprint is relatively small, the intervention has made a significant difference to the sense of space, light and usability of the kitchen, creating a brighter and more connected heart to the family home.
The completed project demonstrates how thoughtful residential architecture and a carefully designed house extension can unlock the potential of an existing property, balancing contemporary family living with sensitivity to the character of the original home.
Our thanks to the clients and Artifex Homes, the main contractor, for allowing us to share photographs of the completed project.
Project Team
Architecture & Planning — Live Site Studio
Main Contractor — Artifex Homes