Renovation and Extension of a Victorian House

Wimbledon, London SW19

Craven Gardens is an exercise in sanctuary. Our client’s job and personal interests involve consulting in international cities and a passion for exploring far flung parts of the world. The brief to renovate his Edwardian home in Wimbledon focusses on creating versatile, luminous, tranquil spaces to return to and relax after expeditions abroad.

The design centres around a bright, spacious, and serene kitchen extension. The extension employs the warm tones of exposed brickwork, balanced with the clean lines of Crittall style doors and large-format concrete tile floor.

The long, north facing, fully glazed side return roof pours natural light indirectly, offering volume and drama, while avoiding overheating in summer. Furniture-quality oak beams provide simple and functional adornment to accentuate the expanse of glass.

The interior combines complementary elements like the Scandinavian designed kitchen and handmade Japanese tiles to create a calm, balanced and minimal atmosphere.

A minimal material palate of natural oak, handmade tiles and a cool, minty fresh colour scheme offer quiet tranquillity to a space that serves as the centre of the home.

Elements are repeated upstairs in the zinc clad loft extension. Oxide red zinc shingles were made on site, providing a sense of imperfection and craft, complementing the red clay tiles of the surrounding roofscape.

Inside, oak framed windows, oak flooring, and custom-made oak joinery provide continuity and harmony with the atmosphere and detailing of the lower floors. The expansive raking corner window captures the long view over the railway towards Wimbledon Village.

Throughout the house elements of the steel structure are left exposed and celebrated. Oak joinery elements emphasise the connection and transition from one part of the house to another. Spaces are bright, neutral, and unadorned.

Together they afford a feeling of welcoming, balance, and contentment.