Don't Move, Improve! 2019 shortlist: London's best home extensions include a zero-waste renovation, a shower skylight and once-ruined Chapel
A zero-waste renovation, once-ruined chapel and Hackney home with a shower room that's 'open' to the sky are among renovation projects in the running for New London Architecture's 'Don't Move, Improve!' awards.
The competition singles out the most innovative and ingenious home extensions in a city where every inch of space has to work hard to cater for Londoners' everyday needs.
There are 37 London projects shortlisted for the awards, out of more than 200 home extensions, studios and garden rooms submitted.
CELEBRATING NATURAL MATERIALS
Reuse Flat, in Hackney, is a zero-waste renovation of the kitchen, dining and living areas of a three-bedroom ground-floor apartment by Arboreal Architecture.
It features a new interior lining to improve thermal performance, reclaimed wood and materials that can be disassembled and reused in the future.
Also in Hackney, a double-height extension, energy-saving touches and open skylight in a new master en-suite transform the now warm and welcoming Dusheiko House, by Neil Dusheiko Architects. It's bespoke, sustainable and scented inside with seven different types of wood.
“It's good to see a trend of gentle experimentation with sustainable natural substances, particularly brick and wood, and of homes being extended in ways that revolve around their owners' lives, resulting in something both idiosyncratic and full of character," says judge and Homes & Property journalist, Philippa Stockley.
CELEBRATING GOOD-LOOKING DESIGN
Chapel, by Craftworks, is a modern family home in Southwark with a statement geometric ceiling. Carved from the ruins of an old chapel, the project retains an ecclesiastical feel while functioning as a bright and spacious home.
NLA Chairman and shortlist judge Peter Murray praised this year's entries for their quality of detailing, use of materials and the new architecture's balanced relationship with the old.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
Woodworker's Studio in Islington, by Bradley Van Der Straeten, is a lower-ground-floor extension which houses a woodworking studio, study, music studio and ample concealed storage.
"Every inch of space in London is precious and these architects have exploited any and every opportunity to create much needed breathing space — it’s inspiring," says judge Carl Turner, of Carl Turner Architects.
This year's shortlisted projects range in cost quite dramatically — the cheapest project cost just £39,000 while the most expensive was £1.1 million the most expensive. The shortlist average cost was just under £264,000.
Last year's winner was Sun Rain Rooms in Islington, an extension and restoration of a Georgian townhouse - with a rainwater tank that floods the patio at the touch of a button, transforming it into a reflecting pool.
Previous winners have included The Sunken Bath, a Victorian terrace in Clapton which was transformed by a side return with glass garden room, Japanese plunge pool and copper kitchen; and House of Trace in Lewisham which went on to win the national RIBA prize.
A CITY OF IMPROVERS
With political uncertainty and moving costs at an all-time high, it's no wonder London's homeowners increasingly choose to improve their homes rather than move.
And the passion for home renovations is showing no signs of curbing.
There are nine per cent fewer new sellers coming to market compared to a year ago because sellers unwilling to price down are keeping their properties off the market, according Rightmove director and housing market analyst Miles Shipside.
WHAT'S TO COME
The most common types of projects are rear and side extensions, with interior refits, as befitting London's semi-detached and terraced housing stock.
Themes and trends that the judges expect to be big next year were: multi-functional indoor/outdoor use spaces, use of wood and natural materials, inter-connected spaces and statement ceilings.
Winners will be announced on Tuesday, January 22 at New London Architecture in central London. The overall winner, second and third place projects will be awarded, as well as special prizes for most sustainable, most cost effective, best interior design, best historic intervention and best use of materials.