Rear garden view of dark brick extension with timber bifold doors and deck, Shardeloes Road, Brockley SE London — architect Alec Crisp

Shardeloes Road

A full renovation and extension to a ground floor Victorian flat in Brockley, South-East London. The original property had one bedroom, a small kitchen, and limited living space. The extension transformed it into a bright and contemporary two-bedroom home with improved generous living spaces, and a much stronger connection to the garden.

Axonometric drawing showing ground floor extension in context with existing Victorian terrace, Shardeloes Road — London residential architect
Garden view through planting towards timber door and dark brick rear extension, Brockley SE London
Exterior detail of dark brick rear extension with timber door and dense garden planting, London architect
Garden pond and water feature with ferns, gravel and stepping stones, Shardeloes Road Brockley
Architect's ground floor plan drawing showing full layout of Victorian flat renovation and rear extension, Brockley London

The relationship between home and garden shaped the approach. Bi-folding timber windows open the living space directly to the outside, with a window seat on both the interior and the garden side. A glazed door leads onto a new deck, extending the room outdoors while generous skylights bring consistent daylight and natural ventilation. The result is a light-filled living area that remains connected to its garden year-round.

Kitchen interior with dark cabinetry, timber window seat and view to garden through timber-framed window, London architect-designed extension
Open shelving display niche with artwork and ceramics, architect-designed interior, London residential extension

Functionally, the extension needed to work hard: a single open volume to accommodate cooking, dining, and living, while giving each area its own character. The kitchen feels calm and unobtrusive; wall units were avoided with storage instead provided by the generous island and a hidden utility/pantry. Open shelving and cabinets allow favourite pieces to be on display, while closed storage keeps the rest out of sight. The dining table sits in a more intimate nook, while the island is a place for casual meals and entertaining. Altogether, the arrangement balances functionality with a sense of openness — making the space work equally well for everyday family life and for hosting.

Living area window seat with built-in storage below and timber-framed casement window overlooking garden, London architect
Dining area with oak table, rattan chairs, rooflight above and pendant light, architect-designed rear extension London
Living room with sofa, fixed timber-framed window with garden view and flush rooflight, London rear extension architect
Dining nook with oak table, pendant light and rooflight, Shardeloes Road — architect-designed kitchen extension London
Kitchen island with oak open shelving and black cabinetry, pendant lights and rooflight, architect-designed extension Brockley London

The transition in scale as you move from the existing corridor into the new volume creates a living space that immediately feels generous and welcoming. Views carry through to the exterior, drawing the spaces together and extending the garden inside.

View from existing corridor through to new extension living space with pendant light and garden visible beyond, London residential architect
Architect-designed bathroom with terrazzo splashback tiles, white rectangular sink, black wall-mounted taps, round mirror and globe wall light
Close-up detail of terrazzo splashback tiles with white countertop sink and black wall-mounted tap, London architect-designed bathroom
Garden view of dark brick rear extension with timber bifold doors open onto deck, Shardeloes Road Brockley — London architect
Close-up of garden pond with ferns, mixed gravel and natural stone, Shardeloes Road garden, Brockley London

The extension is built of dark black brickwork, contrasting the original London stock brick while remaining complementary in scale and texture. Timber windows and doors add warmth and softness, with a restrained interior palette of stone tiles, neutral plaster walls, oak joinery, and a black kitchen providing a calm, enduring backdrop for living.

View down garden path with timber deck edging, lush planting and outbuilding beyond, Shardeloes Road Brockley
Timber deck edge with gravel, ferns and stepping stones at garden pond, architect-designed rear garden London
Exterior view of dark brick extension with timber bifold doors and deck in autumn, Shardeloes Road Brockley SE London — Alec Crisp Architects
Architect's section drawing through rear extension showing interior space, flat roof and relationship to existing Victorian house, London
Rear elevation drawing of Victorian terrace with ground floor extension, Shardeloes Road — London residential architect
Longitudinal section drawing through Victorian flat and rear extension showing full depth of accommodation, Brockley London — Alec Crisp Architects

© 2026

All Rights Reserved

© 2026

All Rights Reserved