In the heart of Highgate, London, architects at Finkernagel Ross transformed Thirsk Cottage from a dark and disjointed house into a brighter contemporary family home, morphing it from a dark and disjointed house into a brighter contemporary family home. With a minimal addition of just 430 square feet, the team drew inspiration from the cottage’s eclectic pitched roofs to craft a modern corten steel extension.
Pitched Roofs Inspire Corten Steel Extension
The cottage’s distinct roofscape became the focal point of the redesign. By studying its myriad forms and angles, Finkernagel Ross extended the architectural narrative with a corten steel extension. They introduced a folded roof design, seamlessly blending new spaces like the kitchen, dining, and family areas. A single column supports an eight-meter span, creating openness beneath the clear, zigzag roofline.
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Corten Steel: A Bridge Between Eras
Choosing corten steel for the extension pays homage to the cottage’s terracotta tiles, forging a visual link between the old and the new. This corten steel extension grants the addition a contemporary façade, its angular profile reflecting the quaint geometry that inspired the design.
A Harmonious Garden Integration
The renovation also redefined the home’s relationship with its garden. Full-height windows forge a connection with the greenery, inviting seasonal changes and sunlight indoors. This seamless blend of patio and interior creates a fluid transition from cozy cottage confines to modern expanse, embodying a modern renovation.
Inviting Gathering Spaces
Natural light bathes the dining area, where black-framed glass walls beckon the outdoors in. Skylights and pitched glazing amplify brightness, while a warm wood table and woven chairs exude a relaxed atmosphere. Pendant lights provide a finishing touch for any gathering, whether casual or elaborate.
Open Living Environments
In the living room, vaulted ceilings and dual skylights enhance the airy ambiance. A curved cream sofa and sculptural elements soften the architecture, while a low fireplace adds warmth.
A Central Kitchen Hub
Beneath the dramatic folds of the roof, the kitchen features pale wood cabinetry and a grand travertine island. Skylights pour in daylight, emphasizing the tall ceilings, while understated fixtures maintain a streamlined look.
Seamlessly Connecting Past and Present
Contrasting with the expansive kitchen, the sitting room offers a more intimate space, integrating built-ins with a creamy sofa, leather seating, and a striking stone coffee table..
A Versatile Creative Workspace
Oak cabinetry lends the home office a serene ambiance, with French doors opening onto the garden. This workspace integrates books, ceramics, and multimedia into its elegant design.
Bright Fitness Retreats
The home gym, combining warm wood and sleek equipment, features skylights and mirrors for a spacious feel. Adjacent is a compact, wood-paneled sauna, maintaining visual connection with the bathroom through a glass door.
Garden-Adjacent Guest Rooms
Situated off the patio, the guest bedroom strengthens the link between indoor and outdoor areas, extending this visual continuity throughout the home.
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Revitalized Arrival Experience
The formerly cluttered entrance now boasts a double-height design, flooded with light from a new dormer, enhancing navigability and introducing the varied scales of interior spaces.
A Sanctuary Within the Home
In the primary bedroom, muted tones and wood accents create a tranquil environment. A four-poster bed and ornate fireplace provide structure and focal interest, maintaining a minimalist yet inviting space.
The bathrooms continue the home’s warm, understated material palette, with travertine bringing a natural quality to both spaces, featuring bold, architectural fixtures and airy layouts. Each room carefully balances form and function, integrating natural elements and contemporary design.
Thirsk Cottage exemplifies transformative design, where just 20 square meters of added space significantly alter the home’s atmosphere. By harnessing the structure’s historic charm and integrating modern elements, Finkernagel Ross melded tradition and innovation into a vibrant dwelling, highlighted by the corten steel extension.
Photography by French+Tye | Architecture & Design: Finkernagel Ross | Contractor: Chester Row | Structural Engineer: SD Structures
Source: contemporist.com
Frequently asked questions
What inspired the corten steel extension at Thirsk Cottage?
The architects drew inspiration from the cottage’s eclectic pitched roofs to craft the modern corten steel extension. By studying its forms and angles, they extended the architectural narrative with a corten steel extension featuring a folded roof design.
How does the renovation integrate indoor and outdoor spaces?
The renovation redefined the home’s relationship with its garden by incorporating full-height windows that forge a connection with the greenery, inviting seasonal changes and sunlight indoors. This design creates a fluid transition from the cozy cottage confines to a modern expanse.
How does the new entrance enhance Thirsk Cottage?
The formerly cluttered entrance now boasts a double-height design, flooded with light from a new dormer, enhancing navigability and introducing the varied scales of interior spaces.