A rear extension to an Edwardian House in the Kew Gardens conservation area. The guiding idea behind this project is to make an extension that reinvents and respects the qualities of the original building. The site had a glazed conservatory which was leaking and beyond repair. This is replaced with a gabled brick structure which has a large automated rooflight cut through the apex. When open, it creates a semi indoor-outdoor dining room, to ventilate the room. The envelope is heavily insulated and designed for maximum vapour tightness, exceeding new build standards. New hardwood timber patio doors are set out symmetrically along the centre line between the original building and the extension, blurring the line between old and new. Facing the side alley we placed tall timber sash windows whose proportions are based on the building’s front elevation sashes. They are protected by an overhang, which allows them to be kept open when it is raining but the temperature is mild, which is common in London for much of the year. The brick piers to the side alley continue the rhythm of the chimneys to the main house’s side elevation. The red brick and pointing is carried through, again making it difficult to see where old finishes and new begins. The rear elevation is lime-washed and painted white to tie it in with the existing solid render to the rear of the house but add texture for more character. A low level render band ties the two elevations together, relating to the string courses at the front of the house. The interior features a new bespoke architect designed kitchen and island. A hand painted finish offsets the natural stone and solid oak work surfaces.