The Weathered House, a stunning Victorian property in Sydenham, South London, has undergone a remarkable transformation, courtesy of the ingenious work by Selencky Parsons, an acclaimed architecture studio known for their innovative designs. As per the client’s request for enhanced living spaces, the studio meticulously reconfigured the home’s ground floor, breathing new life into its traditional structure.
A major highlight of the renovation is the addition of a sleek, steel-framed structure seamlessly integrated into the property’s rear facade. This modern extension, affectionately termed the ‘pavilion’, delicately melds with the existing brick exterior, presenting a sophisticated juxtaposition of contemporary elements against the historic backdrop. The steel and glass construction, accentuated by sliding doors and glazed corner windows, ingeniously ushers in copious amounts of natural light while providing unobstructed views of the spacious terrace and the lush garden beyond.
Notably, the extension’s pergola, crafted from weathering steel, exudes an air of elegance and functionality. Serving as an outdoor dining area, the pergola’s unique design incorporates blade-like louvres that expertly regulate the flow of sunlight, creating a comfortable and inviting ambiance throughout the day. The intricate brick piers, meticulously angled to create textural diversity, not only lend structural support but also add a touch of visual intrigue to the overall composition.
In line with the architectural firm’s ethos of maximizing space utilization, the interior layout was strategically reimagined. The previously fragmented living spaces were seamlessly integrated into a series of interconnected, light-filled rooms, fostering a sense of openness and fluidity within the household. A central staircase elegantly demarcates the various functional areas, ensuring a smooth transition between the cozy snug, the welcoming entrance hall, and the inviting kitchen and dining space.
Furthermore, a thoughtful blend of materials and finishes, such as the utilization of brick and weathering steel, imparts a sense of warmth and character to the contemporary interiors. The designers ingeniously incorporated built-in kitchen cabinetry within the brick piers, infusing practicality into the aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the inclusion of a well-appointed cloakroom and bathroom, along with a utility space adjacent to the kitchen, reflects the studio’s keen attention to both form and function.
Selencky Parsons, co-founded by the visionary architects Sam Selencky and David Parsons, has garnered widespread acclaim for their diverse portfolio, characterized by their bold yet sensitive approach to design. The studio’s creative prowess is evident in various projects, ranging from the ingenious conversion of a Victorian coach house into a slender residence to the conversion of a sprawling London property into affordable shared housing for music students. With each project, Selencky Parsons continues to redefine contemporary architecture while honoring the historical significance of the spaces they meticulously craft.
Photos by Felix Mooneer (https://felixmooneeram.co.uk/).