Tabberner Cook House adds a large split-level ground-floor extension to an existing home in Crystal Palace, London. The project was designed by James Alder Architects, with planning permission granted in 2022 and construction completed in 2024. The extension sits on a sloped corner site and uses an engineered exposed structural timber frame atop a white brick and concrete plinth.
Higher levels are clad in plain anodised aluminium. Internal planters and a greenhouse area are incorporated into the new spaces. The layout expands the original dwelling by creating multiple living zones that step down toward the terraced garden. Structural elements are exposed and integrated into the interior arrangement. The sloping terrain allows the extension to negotiate changes in level with split floor plates. The project includes areas of refurbishment in addition to the new construction.
Image Credit: Johan Dehlin
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Split-level Architectural Design
- Incorporating split-level designs in home extensions offers innovative solutions for properties built on uneven or sloped terrains.
- Exposed Structural Elements
- Integrating exposed structural elements into home interiors combines function with aesthetics, challenging traditional notions of hidden structural components.
- Sustainability in Home Extensions
- Utilizing materials such as engineered timber frames emphasizes sustainability, offering eco-friendly alternatives for modern home expansions.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Residential Architecture
- Residential architecture is shifting towards more adaptable and customizable spaces, encouraging innovation in space optimization.
- Construction Materials
- The construction materials industry is exploring new combinations of traditional and engineered materials to meet the demands of modern design aesthetics.
- Urban Home Renovation
- The urban home renovation sector is increasingly focused on sustainable and adaptive design strategies to maximize limited urban space.
