Lansdowne Road by Mulroy Architects is a good example of a house extension that does not fight the original building. The project adds space by wrapping around a Victorian bay window and turning it into the focus of the new dining area.
The Muswell Hill refurbishment increased floor space by 25%, but the useful lesson is more specific: the extension works because the old bay window is protected, framed and made part of the new daily route through the house.
Project overview
The brief was to maximise space throughout the property without disturbing the original Victorian bay window at the rear. A simple rectangular extension would have made the kitchen link too narrow, so Mulroy Architects changed the geometry of the connection.
Taking inspiration from SANAA, the courtyard became a frameless curved window. That move creates more internal space, keeps the bay window visible and gives a direct view from the front door through to the rear garden.
What the extension solves
- A larger kitchen and dining room at ground floor level.
- A retained Victorian bay window rather than a demolished feature.
- Better daylight and views from both sides of the courtyard.
- A first-floor study and bathroom that can also support guest or bedroom use.
- A sedum green roof that improves the rear outlook for neighbours and upper rooms.
Why the bay window matters
Many extensions treat original features as obstacles. This project does the opposite. The bay window becomes the anchor for the new dining space, so the extension feels like it has grown from the house rather than been attached to it.
Design lesson from this project
If you are looking at a residential extension, the strongest move is often not the biggest one. It is the move that protects the character of the house while fixing the plan.
- Start with the existing feature worth keeping.
- Check where the old and new spaces will feel too tight.
- Use glazing and courtyard space to borrow light.
- Make the new route through the house obvious.
More from Mulroy Architects
You can also view the Mulroy Architects profile on Architecture Social.
Architecture Social view
Stephen’s view is that the best built-project pages make the design decision clear. Here, the decision is easy to understand: keep the bay, wrap the extension, improve the flow.
Next step
Browse more Architecture Social projects or explore the Mulroy Architects company profile.
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