Malone House

Adam Knibb Architects were approached to design a contemporary house extension in Warsash. The clients lead a very active lifestyle based near the waterfront, and looked for an inventive solution to their needs, opening up the interiors and bringing the family together.  The new proposal does not extend beyond the footprint of the a conservatory that sat to the rear of the property previously.

The proposed open plan arrangement contains a new kitchen, along with an integrated breakfast bar, as well as a casual seating area that enjoys views out into the garden. The ground floor of the extension remains well lit through a high provision of glazing: a large set of sliding doors along with carefully arranged rooflights. One rooflight is formed by a window wrapping up and over the breakfast bar, creating a seamless link between indoor and outdoor spaces.

A new snug forms a small first floor area above the extension below. This is accessed by a bespoke floating spiral stair and looks out onto the garden via a projecting bay window seat that allows the space to enjoy plenty of light. This first floor element has been designed and angled in a way that sympathises both with the existing dwelling’s gable end and the massing of the neighbouring properties to either side. The space created is the perfect reading nook whilst looking out towards the natural scenery beyond.

Corten steel cladding provides an industrial aesthetic that references the maritime character of Warsash. Wrapping the material around the rear elevation offers a contemporary cladding option that mimics the tone of the existing brickwork, ensuring that the proposal is visually linked to the existing dwelling. The corten cladding is a key driver behind the concept of Malone House.

A sedum roof sits above the single storey element, meaning that views from the existing first floor are not disturbed by a grey roof finish. A green roof instead provides a continuation of the garden, emphasising the views out from the existing dwelling.