A period house in Hackney has been transformed into a light, modern, broken-plan family home

Take note of the hidden storage, the split-level living space and the glass banister which separates the kitchen and living room while keeping sight-lines for easier family living

Period house in Hackney
(Image credit: Matthew Clayton)
Lotte Brouwer
By Lotte Brouwer
last updated

The Property

When the homeowners purchased this dark, cramped period house in Hackney, they dreamed of a transforming it into a modern home (opens in new tab) for the family flooded with light, with plenty of space to entertain guests. 

There was room for a modern extension (opens in new tab) – but should they expand up, down, out or to the side?

Enter Scenario Architecture (opens in new tab), who completely re-configured the home, giving it a lowered ground floor, a large side extension, a broken-plan scheme and lots more light.

See Also: Holland Park townhouse (opens in new tab) - Explore this renovated and extended Victorian home

Living area

The architects went above and beyond the typical Hackney renovation. Rather than propose a standard dormer extension (opens in new tab) for the loft, Scenario Architecture lowered the floor entirely – which lowered the ceiling in the rooms below, creating cosy informal areas for the children and their guests.

Period house in Hackney

(Image credit: Matthew Clayton)

Period house in Hackney

(Image credit: Matthew Clayton)

Variations in level from room to room create definition; built-in furnishings add interest and balance the open plan.

Period house in Hackney

(Image credit: Matthew Clayton)

The kitchen

The lounge, dining area and kitchen are arranged as an interconnected sequence, encouraging interaction between members of the family.

Period house in Hackney

(Image credit: Matthew Clayton)

The house’s position on the terrace presented a unique opportunity for a large side extension and glazed roof that doesn’t compromise the neighbours’ privacy.

Additional light comes in through the large pivoted rear door.

Period house in Hackney

(Image credit: Matthew Clayton)

See Also: Explore a light-filled family home with monochrome interiors and lush gardens (opens in new tab)

Kids spaces

The original staircase was preserved, leading up to the bedrooms. To make the staircase (opens in new tab) modern, the ceiling was given a smooth curve.

Period house in Hackney

(Image credit: Matthew Clayton)

A playroom (opens in new tab) was created up in the loft – perfect for playing, and perfect for sleepovers.

Period house in Hackney

(Image credit: Matthew Clayton)

See Also: Architect couple handcrafted every aspect of their asymmetric, broken-plan home (opens in new tab)

Lotte Brouwer
Lotte Brouwer

Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.

Latest