Quaint Connectedness – Layered House by SSD Studio

Expertly arranged across the limited and narrow allotment, Layered House emerges as a clever integration of forms that are open to the rear private outdoor space and embedded with an elevated amenity. SSD Studio uses a sense of restraint and efficiency to ensure the expanded brief results in a home that is open, naturally lit and connected to the landscape.

Within its Paddington context, a layered history of Victorian-era cottages and terrace houses comprise a distinct neighbourhood character. Maintaining this rhythm of the streetscape was key for the new alterations and additions efforts of Layered House, which conceal the expanded internal volume from the street. Focusing on light, the rear is opened to engage meaningfully with the formalised landscape space, whilst maintaining the guise of the original cottage frontage. By extruding the form outward and upward to create an additional level for sleeping, the ground floor, open kitchen and dining spaces seamlessly flow to the outdoors. SSD Studio brings the desired brief to life through a meticulously planned approach.

Focusing on light, the rear is opened to engage meaningfully with the formalised landscape space, whilst maintaining the guise of the original cottage frontage.

Enhancing the sense of space within, a light palette of finishes is used, binding the old and new. This spatial perception is further emphasised by the connection to natural light where available. Openings in the ceiling plane bring light to the upper-level spaces, down through the stair and into the level below. A fully glazed steel and glass rear façade completes the addition, helping to blur the line between inside and out and naturally ventilate and illuminate.

Extended through a sustainable lens, retaining as much of the original home whilst adding a contemporary presence was key. In ensuring the spaces responded to a modern way of life, the rear elements of the home that disallowed an openness were demolished and an efficient floor plan was introduced in its place. Through the process, low-VOC paints were deliberately selected to ensure a reduction in emissions over time, whilst painted timber battens and engineered floorboards combine to ensure a low embodied energy. A lightness is spread across the upper and lower levels, with thinly framed glazed walls providing transparency for internal connection.

A fully glazed steel and glass rear façade completes the addition, helping to blur the line between inside and out and naturally ventilate and illuminate.

Continuing the legacy of the original home, Layered House is the result of a considered and sensitive approach. SSD Studio navigates the challenging site by emphasising the positive attributes of the home as a solution to densified heritage living.