The New Bricks

An extension project combining traditional architecture with contemporary detailing to deliver accessible, care-focused living spaces, including an indoor hydropool, therapy area, and bespoke garden design.

This extensive residential project involved the full architectural development of a substantial rear and side extension designed to meet complex accessibility and care needs, while enhancing the overall character and functionality of the home. The brief included the creation of a new living room, bedroom, accessible bathroom, carer’s bedroom and en-suite, therapy space, and a dedicated hydropool area, along with a fully integrated rear garden design and ramp access at the front of the property.
At the front, the new structure adopts a classic architectural style, maintaining continuity with the existing house type and the surrounding streetscape. This approach respects the original façade, integrating the new elements in a seamless and sympathetic manner.

To the rear, a series of design options were developed to explore different material and aesthetic directions. These included:

• A traditional rear elevation that continues the classical language.
• A timber-clad version offering a warmer, more natural finish.
• A contemporary brickwork scheme using white and grey fine-textured brick, applied in a modern way to reflect a more distinctive and sculptural form.

The traditional design option at the back is in keeping with the main house, with cornice details, brink lintels and a crown roof, while integrating generous bi-fold doors and windows opening.

The contemporary brickwork design is defined by its piers, refined cornice detailing, and carefully proportioned openings. These elements provide a strong sense depth while maintaining clarity and elegance in a singular piece of architecture.
The internal layout has been tailored to support accessibility and independence, with generous circulation secondary access to the house, carefully zoned rooms, and direct connections to rear garden. The hydropool and therapy space were designed to deliver both privacy and openness, with natural light and calm material tones enhancing the therapeutic quality of the environment.

A standout element of the project is the landscape-led approach to accessibility, where the garden design resolves the level change between the existing home and the new lower-level extension. A curved ramp, framed by generous flower beds, creates a soft, promenade-like transition between levels. This approach not only reduces the visual impact of the ramp but adds a sense of movement and cohesion across the outdoor spaces and the two levels of the proposed house.