# Minimalist Material Extensions This South London Property Features a Raw Palette By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-09-03 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/south-london-property References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2014/09/03/balham-house-extension-london-simon-astridge-raw-materials/) & [simonastridge](http://www.simonastridge.com/) London-based architect Simon Astridge designed the extension of this Balham, [south London property](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peekablue). The client wanted to give the interior a complete overhaul, as well as increase the floor space in a manner that would comply with the [existing Victorian home](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bindloss-dawes). The architect installed three additional spaces, dispersed over different levels. In order to distinguish the extension from the rest of the home, he used a variety of different materials, including plywood, brick, concrete and natural stone. The fifth key material was the sky, which is accessed through a frameless skylight installed in the ceiling of the highest floor. The kitchen and dining area were fashioned from cast concrete, while the dining area features a [plywood roof](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/easi-house). The walls are left exposed, adding to the raw aesthetic for the addition. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Raw Aesthetics:** Architects can leverage raw aesthetics in their designs to transform homes and buildings to embrace green architecture. - **Integration of Contrasting Materials:** Integrating contrasting materials, like brick, concrete and natural stone, in structures can give them a distinct personality and create an ambience of visual harmony. - **Frameless Skylights:** Frameless skylights can be used to aesthetically enhance interiors giving it better and well-distributed natural lighting. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture and Design:** Architects and Designers can employ the use of raw aesthetics and contrasting materials in their designs to create breathtaking and eco-friendly buildings for residential as well as commercial purposes. - **Construction:** Construction companies leverage the use of sustainable raw materials and technological advancements such as frameless skylights and modular construction to create unique building designs and stand out in a competitive market. - **Real Estate:** Real estate professionals can take advantage of these trends to offer their clients affordable and eco-friendly bespoke properties capable of standing the test of time. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Textured Home Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basalt-house.md) - [Flexible Family Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-simple-addition.md) - [Natural Material House Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clay-house.md) - [Revamped London Home Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vatraa.md) - [Dark Brick Apartment Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/db-apartment.md) - [Craftsmanship-Based Home Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ray-house-extension.md) - [Sandstone Brick Home Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stone-and-steel-house.md) - [Minimal Modernized Victorian Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/will-gamble-architects.md) - [Garden Flat Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terzetto-flat.md)