A Sublime Renovation Fills a London Terrace House With Sunlight and Garden Views

Alan Macdonald (42) and his wife, Joia de Sa (40), bought their Victorian terrace property in Stroud Green, North London, in early 2018, with the intention of transforming it into a welcoming, family home with a contemporary and streamlined interior for them and their two children, Elsa (4) and Theo (1). 

Two years after the sale went through, and with planning permission in place for a rear extension, they got in touch with Joe Magri and Alice Williams at Magri Williams design studio to take a fresh look at the plans. The design duo began by discussing the different options with Alan and Joia. After a thorough design period, they drew up a new concept and submitted minor amendments to the planning department, which were approved in the autumn of 2020, with building work starting early January 2021.

Contractor JK Construction began by extending the rear of the property to create space for a large kitchen/dining area. The extension takes the form of two pitched blocks whose angled roofs match those of the original Victorian building. The exterior is clad in handmade Petersen Tegl bricks that offer tonal variations in color as a nod to the existing London stock. Internally, an angled roof light runs the length of the extension, mirroring the same angle and flooding the space with sunshine. A large, square window frames views out to the garden, and a large pivot door provides access to the patio.