Chivalry Road Residence: Rear Glass Extension and Interior Makeover in South West London

Space and ventilation are the two driving concerns that led to the renovation of the modest terraced Chivalry Road Residence in South West London. Sketch Architects transformed the house with a considered reconfiguration and a contemporary rear glass extension, producing a brighter, more connected home tailored to modern family life. The renovation prioritizes natural light, airflow and an open social heart while retaining a tactile mix of materials: exposed brick, steel, glass and painted joinery all work together to create a warm, modern interior.

New kitchen and dining space with brick wall section and cabinets in blue

The new rear glass extension becomes the focal point of the plan, hosting the kitchen and dining area alongside an open social zone. Full-height glazing and skylights bring light and ventilation deep into the plan, dissolving the boundaries between inside and outside and allowing the once-separated rooms to feel unified. Within the extension, a thoughtful palette of finishes—industrial steel, warm brick and bold blue cabinetry—creates visual contrast and a lively, contemporary character.

Small Terraced House in London with modern rear glass extension — Small terraced house in London with modern rear glass extension

Internally, the architects introduced a central double-height living area that dramatically increases the sense of volume and connection between floors. This double-height space creates sightlines through the house and helps distribute daylight from skylights and tall glazing. The repositioned stair and rearranged circulation improve flow, creating a series of interlinked spaces better suited to family living, socialising and flexible use.

Small wooden corner shelf in the kitchen

The house is arranged over multiple levels to make the most of the compact plot. The basement accommodates a family room and play space, giving private recreational areas away from the main living level. At ground level, the plan places the lounge, kitchen and dining in a more open, layered layout: the kitchen and dining sit slightly lower in the rear extension while the lounge occupies the front of the ground floor. Bedrooms and personal spaces are positioned on the upper floor, where quieter nighttime uses are kept separate from the communal zones below.

Fantastic kitchen area and social zone of London home with skylight and brick wall — Kitchen area and social zone with skylight and exposed brick wall

Storage and practical details were integrated into the reworked layout, with smart cupboards and shelving around the stair and circulation routes that make the compact plan feel generous and organised. A corner workspace under a skylight provides a secluded spot for work or study within the upper levels, while colourful, geometric treatments in the basement family room add personality and help define activity zones.

Exposed brick wall coupled with steel and glass for the modern home — Exposed brick wall paired with steel and glass to reinforce the modern aesthetic

Innovative storage areas around the staircase — Innovative storage solutions integrated around the stairway

Multi-colored and geometric accent wall for the family room — Multi-coloured geometric accent wall defines the family room

The brief presented to Sketch Architects asked that the available space within this small terraced house was maximized. The existing building had already been extended with a partial side return, but each space was very separate from the next and the layout wasn’t working for the young family who lived there. Each small space felt disconnected from the next.

Newly positioned stairway brings more space to the interior of the house — Newly positioned stairway opens up circulation and creates space

Upper level corner workspace with skylight — Upper-level corner workspace with a skylight for daylight and privacy

Combining different textures and finishes inside revamped London home — Combining textures and finishes gives the interior depth and interest

Double-height central area of the home with ample natural light — Double-height central area filled with natural light

Glass wall sections usher in light with ease — Full-height glass walls usher natural light and offer visual connection to the garden

Sectional view of the Chivalry Road House — Sectional view showing the reworked levels and spatial relationships

Overall, the Chivalry Road Residence is a compact but generous-feeling terraced house renovation that demonstrates how considered architectural moves—repositioned circulation, a double-height core and a glazed rear extension—can dramatically improve light, ventilation and everyday function. The result is a lively family home with clear social spaces, clever storage and an expressive material palette that balances durability with warmth.

Photography: Adam Scott