Alcove House is a four metre single storey house extension, with interior design and ground floor reconfiguration. As this is a detached property, this is the maximum expansion possible under permitted development. The owners required a modern, multipurpose design, that made best use of the proposed building footprint.

REACHbyDESIGN created a versatile composition of forms that have a recessed, almost excavated aesthetic - hence the name Alcove House. The extension houses a kitchen and  breakfast bar, as well as entertainment and office/study spaces.

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The utility appliances are enclosed in a ventilated cupboard, alingned with the fridge and freezers, as not to inhibit circulation, and reduce noise in the relaxed ambience.

The lounge has been pushed to the front of the house, allowing direct access to the dining from the kitchen, while keeping all entertainment areas facing the same direction.

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Two roof lanterns flood the new extension interior with light from directly above the breakfast bar, while the bifold external doors add to this, and allow open views across the rear garden.

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The sculptural form that makes the breakfast bar and entertainment seating conjoins the triptych of 'alcove' forms that are one in their materiality - a natural mahogany core encased in a an outer monochrome shell; when in use, the programmes of these three forms intentionally spill across, and connect with the adjacent forms. The two full height forms that define the kitchen and study spaces provide ample storage space for food and all home essentials. 

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Passing to the rear patio, the extension facade has wave-like brick detailing, expressing movement and depth, reminiscent of the internal excavated forms.