Victorian House Extension with Modern Design: Terzetto House by ConForm Architects
This article explores how Terzetto House by ConForm Architects elegantly combines Victorian architecture with modern design through a thoughtful garden extension.
The Terzetto House Transformation
In the heart of London, ConForm Architects has reimagined a traditional Victorian terraced house, transforming it into the stunning Terzetto House. Completed in 2023, this 97 m² home demonstrates how a Victorian house extension can fuse modern sophistication with timeless architectural elements, creating a refined and texturally engaging space that enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Redefining the Victorian Home: Terzetto House Concept
The client, long-time admirers of ConForm Architects, approached the team with a vision to revitalize their property. The original garden flat suffered from limited ceiling heights, poor lighting, and a lack of connection to the expansive rear garden. ConForm’s design responded by maximizing natural light and creating an immersive relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, using a series of modern interventions inspired by Victorian architecture.
Exterior Design: A Contemporary Take on Victorian Bay Windows
The most striking feature of the Terzetto House extension is its contemporary canted bay window, a nod to the Victorian decorative bay windows typical of London’s Conservation Areas. Angled to minimize visual impact on neighboring properties, the design respects the street's historic character while introducing a modern element that blends seamlessly with the surrounding architecture.
Sectional Triad: Plinth, Column, and Pediment
The exterior also brings a tri-sectional concept inspired by the classic Victorian bay window, articulated through three distinct elements: the concrete plinth, green terrazzo columns, and a clay-toned plaster pediment. Each of these layers adds texture and depth, emphasizing ConForm’s focus on materiality and reinforcing the visual cohesion throughout the design.
Interior Architecture: A Journey of Light and Space
Creating a Pathway to the Garden
On entering the Terzetto House, visitors are welcomed by curated views and a purposeful layout that directs attention toward the south-facing garden. This design choice is enhanced by strategically placed skylights and clerestory windows, capturing natural light and emphasizing the connection between spaces. Each element is carefully aligned to guide visitors through the home, enhancing the experience of moving from one room to the next.
Reorienting the Space: Maximizing Functionality
A central goal of the Terzetto House extension was to reorient the living spaces towards the garden, creating a natural flow from indoor to outdoor areas. By introducing skylights and a clerestory window within previously dark rooms, ConForm was able to transform these areas into bright, ventilated spaces with direct garden views. A hidden three-leaf pocket door further enhances the functionality of the layout, allowing the living space to adapt for different uses, including a private guest bedroom or a cozy snug area.
The Heart of Terzetto House: The Kitchen and Living Space
Sophisticated Cabinetry and Thoughtful Detailing
The kitchen of Terzetto House is a masterclass in craftsmanship, featuring light oak cabinetry framed with a delicate perimeter detail. This subtle yet elegant design choice elevates the storage elements, offering both functionality and visual appeal. The plinth continues throughout the kitchen and into the hallway, unifying the interior spaces with a consistent datum line that reinforces the sense of continuity.
Lighting and Privacy: The Trapezoidal Skylight
In the rear living area, a large trapezoidal skylight serves dual purposes, providing natural light while maintaining privacy from neighboring buildings. This skylight enhances the kitchen’s ambiance, drawing attention to the textural clay-toned plaster and green terrazzo accents. Below the skylight, the space opens into an art display wall, which receives ample natural light, making it the perfect focal point for the living area.
Amphitheatrical Living Space: A Sunken Experience
ConForm has cleverly introduced an amphitheatrical element in the living area, with a concrete plinth and built-in bench that create a sunken seating experience. This unique design feature enhances the spatial dynamics of the room, giving it a distinct, intimate feel. The precision of ConForm’s detailing shines through in the linear alignment of the split datum lines, which connect the living area with the garden beyond, reinforcing the home’s cohesiveness.
Materiality and Texture: The Foundation of Terzetto House Design
Throughout Terzetto House, ConForm Architects has used materials to define and enhance the architectural language of the space. The concrete plinth, green terrazzo columns, and clay-toned plaster pediment create a rich, layered effect that reflects the tactile quality of Victorian architecture. Each material serves both a functional and aesthetic role, bringing together the concepts of modernity and tradition in an innovative way.
A Modern Victorian House Extension
The Terzetto House by ConForm Architects is a prime example of how a Victorian house extension can preserve the charm of historic architecture while introducing contemporary elegance and sophistication. By reinterpreting traditional design elements and using high-quality materials, ConForm has created a home that harmoniously blends old and new, offering a timeless yet modern space that celebrates the character of Victorian London.
All photographs are work of James Retief
