Almendra Studio specialises in loft conversions, house extensions and residential renovations across London, delivering bespoke design-and-build projects from architectural design and planning applications through to construction and final handover.
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Almendra Studio was appointed as building contractor and interior design consultant for the renovation and remodelling of this Victorian terrace house in Herne Hill, South-East London SE24. The project focused on transforming the ground floor into a contemporary family living environment through the construction of a wrap-around rear extension and the complete reconfiguration of the existing layout. Carefully coordinated structural interventions, bespoke kitchen design and refined interior detailing created a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living space that connects seamlessly with the rear garden. The project reflects Almendra Studio’s approach to high-end residential renovations and house extensions across London.
Project Details
Project: Home Extension and Renovation
Location: Herne Hill, South-East London SE24
Property Type: Victorian Family Terrace House
Project Size: 183 m²
Scope: Ground floor remodelling and wrap-around rear extension
Services: Residential Design, Site Management, Construction, Interior Design
Architectural Reconfiguration and Open-Plan Living
The project was developed in collaboration with Barcelona-based architectural designer G. Martini, whose design focused on the reconfiguration of the existing ground floor layout.
Like many Victorian terrace houses in London, the original plan consisted of a series of smaller compartmentalised rooms that limited natural light and restricted circulation between the principal living spaces. The objective of the renovation was therefore to create a more generous spatial arrangement better suited to contemporary family living.
Achieving this transformation required substantial demolition works and significant structural intervention to the rear of the property. Sections of the existing ground floor were carefully removed to allow for the construction of a wrap-around rear extension, a common strategy in many high-quality London house extension projects where additional floor space is created while preserving the garden.
A custom structural steel frame was introduced to support the created openings and to enable wider uninterrupted spans across the rear living area. This structural approach allowed the rear of the ground floor to be reorganised into a continuous open-plan environment where the kitchen and dining areas flow naturally into one another.
The resulting layout establishes a spacious open-plan kitchen-dining space as the central hub of the house, creating a bright and welcoming environment designed for everyday family life as well as for entertaining guests.
Bespoke Kitchen Design and Interior Joinery
At the heart of the extension sits a large bespoke kitchen island, designed as both a functional preparation area and a focal point within the interior. The kitchen adopts a contemporary design language defined by clean architectural lines, integrated appliances and carefully detailed cabinetry.
Custom joinery elements were designed throughout the kitchen to maximise storage while maintaining a calm and uncluttered visual composition. The proportions and material palette were selected to complement the character of the existing interiors while introducing a refined modern aesthetic appropriate for a high-end London residence.
The generous dimensions of the new extension allow the kitchen, dining area and informal seating spaces to coexist comfortably within a single open-plan environment. This arrangement creates a sociable interior where cooking, dining and everyday family life unfold naturally — children doing homework at the kitchen island while parents prepare dinner nearby.
By carefully balancing bespoke interior joinery with the architectural character of the house, the renovation achieves a harmonious relationship between contemporary design and the historic fabric of the Victorian terrace.
Garden Integration and Natural Light
A key architectural objective of the project was to maximise natural light while strengthening the visual relationship between the interior living spaces and the rear garden. To achieve this, the extension incorporates five oversized rooflights positioned above the kitchen and dining area, allowing daylight to penetrate deep into the plan while opening uninterrupted views toward the sky.
These large rooflights significantly enhance the spatial quality of the ground floor, filling the interior with natural light throughout the day and reinforcing the sense of openness that characterises contemporary London house extension projects.
The rear façade of the extension is defined by a full-width bi-folding glass door, introduced to maximise daylight and create a continuous visual connection between the interior living space and the garden. The large glazed opening visually extends the depth of the kitchen and living area, creating the impression of an interior that expands seamlessly toward the garden.
Residential Design & Build in London
Almendra Studio delivered the project through its integrated design and build approach, acting as both building contractor and interior design consultant throughout the renovation process.
This integrated structure allowed architectural design, structural works and interior detailing to be coordinated seamlessly from early concept development through to construction delivery. By combining design and construction expertise within a single team, the project benefited from efficient communication, careful cost control and consistent attention to design quality throughout the building process.
Close collaboration between the design team, site management and specialist trades ensured that the structural interventions, bespoke joinery elements and interior finishes were executed with precision.
The completed renovation successfully combines the timeless character of a Victorian terrace house in London with contemporary architectural interventions, creating a spacious and elegant home designed for modern living.
This Victorian terrace renovation and wrap-around extension in Herne Hill, South-East London SE24, demonstrates Almendra Studio’s experience delivering high-end house extensions, residential renovations and bespoke design & build projects across London. The project transforms a traditional London terrace into a contemporary family home through careful architectural reconfiguration, structural expertise and refined interior detailing.
House Extension and Residential Renovation Specialists in London
Almendra Studio delivers bespoke residential architecture and construction projects for homeowners across Greater London, including Chiswick, Richmond, Barnes, Kew and Putney. Our work focuses on high-quality design, careful material specification and precision construction to create homes that combine architectural clarity with everyday functionality.
