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

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.

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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.

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

The kitchen

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

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.

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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.

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

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