Refurbishment and extension of mid-terrace Victorian house in Cambridge

The refurbishment and extension of this mid-terrace Victorian house transform it from a traditional property into a contemporary family home while respecting its period character.

The new rear extension, designed by the award-winning Ashworth Parkes Architects,  creates a spacious kitchen area, with steps leading down to a combined dining and family space. On the first floor, an extension made room for a new staircase to the loft and a convenient laundry cupboard.

In the loft, a cleverly designed en-suite bathroom was installed within the front pitched roof space, maximizing the use of the existing structure. The bedroom benefits from stunning views over the rooftops, made possible by an innovative bifold window design paired with frameless glass balustrades. This feature, along with the large flat rooflights, floods the room with natural light, making the compact space feel open and spacious. The thoughtful integration of these elements ensures the loft is not only functional but also an inviting and airy retreat within the home.

One clever design feature on the extension is the wildflower-planted green roof, which softens the visual transition from the home to the rear garden, adding a touch of nature to the modern design. Addressing the common issue of limited natural light in mid-terrace properties, the incorporation of a butterfly roof allowed for high-level clerestory windows and rooflights in the kitchen, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere while giving the space architectural depth.

The design maintains the charm of the original Victorian house, contrasting it with contemporary elements like brown zinc cladding and reclaimed brickwork at the rear, while exposed brick and timber finishes bring warmth and texture inside. Painted brickwork at the transition between new and old structures preserves the connection to the house’s original form. Across the back of the extension a narrow 4-panel set of bifold doors was required, reducing the amount of space the folded panels took up on the patio whilst allowing for a seamless transition between house and garden.

Photos: Matthew Smith Architectural Photography