London Evening Standard

 

Let the light in

 

More space, more light, more time to enjoy the garden. It is the summer trinity that many homeowners dream of when adding a garden extension. To realise those dreams increasing numbers of people are turning to architects for bespoke solutions. And there is the all-important blurring of boundaries. The most successful designs feature flooring materials and levels that flow seamlessly from inside to out and doors that slid open or fold back.

 

With its sheer walls of glass and arrow sharp point slicing into the lawn, this garden pavilion makes a drama-filled, state-of-the-art addition to a post-war family home in Pinner, North-West London. “We used to have a small conservatory extension and spent a lot of time there, but it didn’t connect well with the outdoors,” says Frances Johnson, adding that because the back of the house faces north-east, part of the brief for the extension was to scoop up more of the day’s sunlight. “The room certainly has the wow factor; it has become a special family space, and doesn’t just connect with the outside, it draws the house right into the garden.”

 

The design is by architects Ken Hutt and Nadi Jahangiri of m3 architects, who met Frances’s husband, quantity surveyor Simon Johnson, when they were part of Norman Foster’s practice.

 

“Along with then requirement to protect the neighbour’s views, there was a favourite willow tree and the client wanted to retain clear views from the kitchen. These three considerations gave us the unusual shape,” says Ken Hutt.

 

To match the grandeur of the main Fifties house, the extension steps up in height towards the garden. The double glazed panels measure an impressive 10.65ft in height.

 

Cost: £170,000

 

SCALA architects 020 7503 3190