House for Zola, Camberwell

A sensitive extension and retrofit of a Victorian property in Camberwell for a writer, artist, and their dog Zola.

A Forever Home in SE5
The couple approached us looking to transform a Victorian mid-terrace property on a leafy, quiet street in Camberwell into their forever home. They loved the charm of the Victorian terrace and wanted to amplify the heritage features while bringing a contemporary edge for a home that’s made for how they want to spend their days – writing, making art, and hosting friends and family.

We started as we always do by thinking about layout, maximising what exists and doing less so we could realise more for our clients’ budget. Our design strategy was quality over quantity. Instead of going for a big, needless extension, we reconfigured the layout, adding just a 3 m² rear extension, enough to realise the home’s potential while keeping embodied carbon and costs down.

Sustainable through and through
House for Zola scored an A++ embodied carbon rating of 66 kgCO₂e/m²; that’s exceptional performance for a Victorian terrace extension in London. We did it by following the “Be Lean, Be Clean, Be Green” energy hierarchy, prioritising passive measures over active systems.

The new build elements are low-carbon timber construction. The extension is a timber frame with natural wood fibre insulation, while the front garden bike and bin store features oak timber cladding and a biodiverse green roof. Throughout the rest of the home we upgraded the fabric and thermal envelope with breathable wood fibre internal and external wall insulation. New sash windows to the front are painted an olive green while at the back we’ve got a mix of Velfac and oak-framed windows, all designed to improve performance while retaining that all-important Victorian charm.

Reconfiguring the ground floor
Downstairs we reconfigured the kitchen, dining and living areas to deliver the light and space our clients wanted. Removing redundant chimneys and opening up the back of the house onto the courtyard creates room to come together, whether catching the last rays over negronis and nighttime tunes or hosting family barbecues. A rooflight over the dining area and oak-framed glass door pull light right through the kitchen and into the heart of the house. The new toilet tucked under the stairs adds convenience without eating into floor area.

Factoring in the practicalities of everyday life, we designed a new compact bike and bin store at the front of the house, so bicycles can stay outside, maximising precious internal space while keeping everything nice and tidy.

Upstairs, we redesigned the bathroom with a separate utility space and walk-in shower, making the most of the existing footprint. The first-floor bedrooms were reworked to suit our clients’ needs with bespoke cabinetry installed.

Planning a house extension or retrofit in Camberwell or South London?
Contact us on 020 4537 5231 | View similar residential projects