Foulden Road

• (charred timber) + (ash timber) + (concrete)

Foulden Road is a calm retreat in the heart of Hackney, London. Following the global pandemic, Magri Williams were appointed as architect and interior designer to produce a full width rear extension and whole house refurbishment. The project creates an open plan living space for a family to come together. In a world recovering from Covid, the client’s sought an extension that felt restorative and the proposal looked towards nature to achieve this. 

The form of the extension is rooted within its contextual location, whilst the charred timber and detailing creates a strong distinction. The exterior form has been derived from the angles of the existing roofs along Foulden Road. The alignment of the timber cladding and sliding door mullion are set out to the existing elevation, with the apex of the new roof aligning to the corner of the outrigger. 

The relationship with natural light was pivotal to the scheme and the extension benefits from a triple outlook: a large sliding door on the rear elevation, an expanse of roof glazing on the side return and a glazed window to the newly formed courtyard — each providing glimpses of greenery from new planters or existing mature trees. 

The internal space contrasts the external design with muted tones that achieve a calm and relaxing environment. The kitchen design is bespoke and was developed alongside a joiner. It is finished in Ash, a naturally light timber with a subtle grain. The concrete floors have a sandy undertone that echoes the pigments of the timber. The walls are finished with a lime paint, which adds a layer of softness, particularly as shadows from the exposed rafters cascade down the wall.

The environmental strategy has been shaped by two key factors. Using timber, a renewable resource extensively externally and internally, and secondly using enhanced levels of insulation to meet future energy levels.