A new-build timber framed house in Essex combines an open plan layout to maximise space, with different floor and ceiling heights to separate the living, kitchen, and dining areas. The design includes a central atrium and a first-floor gallery, creating visual links between the floors. The interior features oak floors and white stained pine ceilings, with Baltic birch plywood used for internal balustrades and built-in furniture, providing a practical Scandinavian styled living space.
This project transformed a beautiful, spacious 1930s detached family home in North London through a large rear extension and refurbishment. The extension spans the entire width of the house and features a solar shade crafted from Accoya wood. Thoughtful garden landscaping enhances outdoor living. The addition of dormer windows improves the bedrooms in the roof and a glass balustraded terrace brought modern elements to the home's classic design. Custom kitchen, bespoke joinery, and a solar screen blend functionality with high-quality aesthetics. The flooring throughout the home was replaced with douglas fir Dinesen, adding warmth and elegance. A highlight of the renovation is the bespoke ventilated wine store, complete with Japanese shoji screening and integral LED lighting. Matthew was the project architect at Jeff Kahane Associates, the firm to which the design and copyright are attributed.
This project involved the early feasibility sketch design for an extension of a previously converted barn in Suffolk, with a focus on harmonising the structure with its picturesque surroundings, including a pond. Initial sketches sought to explore the potential of the site and propose a design that forms an introspective courtyard on one side with open views to the back across the natural landscape.
A new four-storey side extension and associated improvement works for a Victorian red-brick mansion block located in Battersea. Our key design objective was to create an extension that harmonised with the existing structure, achieving a balance between continuity and distinction without mimicking the original mansion block. Through unified materiality and banding, we aimed for a design that exudes calm and modesty while respecting the character of the historic building. Matthew was the project architect while working at Barbara Weiss Architects, to whom the design and copyright are attributed.
This 400m2 new build house is situated to overlook a large pond in Suffolk, with a design that takes full advantage of the south-facing views over the water and landscape. The linear form of the building helps maximise these views, and the design concept gives the impression of the house floating above the water. Large overhanging eaves provide a shaded walkway on the south side, enhancing the connection with the outdoors. The interior boasts open-plan living spaces, including a spacious dining room and areas with vaulted ceilings, offering a modern and airy feel throughout. Matthew was the project architect at Jeff Kahane Associates, the firm to which the design and copyright are attributed.
The ground floor extension of a detached house in Essex, aimed at creating a modern, open-plan living space that includes a new kitchen, dining, and breakfast area, all designed to offer views of a newly designed courtyard and the existing garden. The extension is planned to enhance the connection between the interior living spaces and the outdoor environment, fostering a transition and interaction with nature. Alongside the extension, the project includes the general refurbishment of the existing house, introducing a new ensuite, modernising the bathrooms and WC, and adding a new porch with Crittall-style steel framed doors. These enhancements aim to improve the functionality and flow of the house while respecting the existing character.
The project involved the design and construction of a new build house in Suffolk, aimed at achieving near Passivhaus standards. It features extremely high levels of insulation, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), and an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) system. Styled as a large pavilion, this mostly single-storey dwelling includes a distinctive tower-like bedroom offering views over the village and surrounding natural landscape. The design incorporates large vaulted spaces, open plan living with pocket doors for flexible space use, and a central large circular rooflight, reminiscent of an oculus, to illuminate the central living space. Completed while Matthew was senior architect at Project Orange, to whom the design and copyright are attributed.
The sketch design for a Victorian semi-detached house in Essex, focusing on exploring viable options for extending the property while enhancing the use of the existing space. Our objective was to integrate an additional bedroom and create an extra room on the ground floor, thereby increasing the living area and improving functionality.
This project explores the feasibility of developing underutilised land in Essex, aiming to introduce approximately 30 homes. The core of the design focuses on creating a community-oriented environment, with homes arranged around a central green space. This approach not only maximises the use of space but also promotes a sense of community and well-being among residents. Our study delves into the practical and sustainable ways to bring this vision to life, ensuring that the development offers a harmonious blend of private living spaces and communal green areas.
The project entails converting a barn under Class Q in Norfolk, incorporating enhancements such as exterior cladding and the creation of a spacious open-plan living area. A key feature is an external BBQ courtyard, designed to extend the living space outdoors. This transformation creates a unique retreat, positioned at the end of a long, winding road, offering a secluded oasis building within its rural setting. This work was undertaken during Matthew’s time at Jeff Kahane Associates, to whom the design and copyright are attributed.
This project involved the design of a new kitchen in Essex within the challenging confines of a thin and narrow existing galley space and tight budget. Adhering to the brief, we aimed to preserve the existing structure to the greatest extent possible, focusing on maximising storage without compromising on style. The result is a highly functional kitchen that combines efficient use of space with a modern, high-quality finish.
This project involved the comprehensive renovation and expansion of a Georgian house nestled in an urban Kent setting, surrounded by neighbouring homes. The scope included a loft extension to maximise living space vertically and a front studio extension, cleverly connected to the main house via a modern glass link.
The design for a new garage/workshop/photo studio in Yorkshire, marked by its u sinuous curved wall and use of yorkshire stone wall. It incorporates storage, a toilet, and a tea station, facilitating focus and immersion in workshop tasks. The structure is further enhanced with carefully detailed sliding doors and a brie soleil to the south, ensuring a pleasant interior atmosphere, elevating it beyond a mere garage and workshop space. This work was undertaken during Matthew’s time at Jeff Kahane Associates, to whom the design and copyright are attributed.
This project involved the creation of a separate pool house within the grounds of a listed building in Norfolk, designed to harmonise with its historic setting. The structure features vaulted ceilings with exposed glulam beams, embracing a blend of modern engineering and natural aesthetics. Extensive use of glass walls maximises the captivating views of the surrounding nature, inviting the outdoors in. The design focuses on creating a tranquil and functional space, offering a serene retreat that complements the existing architectural heritage. Matthew was the project architect at Jeff Kahane Associates, the firm to which the design and copyright are attributed.
Sketch proposals for a narrow, long house to fit within a tight plot. Built primarily over one-storey, the plan looked to create connectivity between internal and external spaces whilst providing all the necessary functional spaces required for a modern family home.
This project involved the refurbishment and loft extension of a Victorian semi-detached villa in Islington, carefully executed to enhance living spaces across levels. The basement was redesigned to create a private guest space. Additionally, the loft extension was meticulously planned to incorporate a new staircase, bedroom area, and a mezzanine with views of the garden and park behind the house. This project was completed while Matthew was project architect at Jeff Kahane Associates, to whom the design and copyright are attributed.
The project featured a sketch design proposal for a loft extension within a butterfly roof in Islington, incorporating an ensuite, a terrace garden area, and solar panels. Maximising the utility and aesthetic appeal of the extension, ensuring a sustainable and functional design. This work was undertaken during Matthew’s time at Jeff Kahane Associates, to whom the design and copyright are attributed.
The project focused on converting an existing barn into sustainable homes in Suffolk. The proposal builds on previously approved Class Q plans for 5 homes, retaining the barn's materiality, form, and massing while updating fenestration and external design. This approach aimed to create attractive, sustainable homes by repurposing a disused structure, and was completed while Matthew was project architect at Project Orange, to whom the design and copyright are attributed.
The refurbishment and extension of a large Victorian semi-detached villa in Islington, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The insulation was upgraded and an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) introduced to efficiently heat the building. The lower ground floor has been transformed into a modern open plan area, featuring a new timber kitchen. On the upper floors, the focus was on creating a timeless interior that respects the building's traditional detailing and proportions. This project was completed while Matthew was senior architect at Project Orange, to whom the design and copyright are attributed.
This project entailed the conversion and wrap-around extension of a Victorian semi-detached house in Hampstead, resulting in a spacious kitchen and dining area seamlessly connected to the rear garden. An innovative addition was the underground bike storage pit, addressing urban storage challenges. The top floor introduces a smartly designed alternate tread stair leading to a new roof terrace, infusing greenery into the urban backdrop. Modern fixtures and finishes are employed throughout, with Farrow & Ball colours chosen to craft a classic and timeless interior ambiance. Matthew was the project architect at Jeff Kahane Associates, the firm to which the design and copyright are attributed
This project features the sustainable refurbishment of a period property in Norfolk, focusing on eco-friendly practices and materials. We employed wood fibre insulation on the walls, covered with lime plaster, to enhance the building's thermal performance. An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) was introduced to efficiently heat the property. The side infill extension has an angled timber-clad ceiling, complemented by a new wood-burning stove, creating a warm and inviting living space. Throughout the house, we prioritised the reuse of materials to maintain sustainability, while achieving a high-quality finish with Farrow & Ball paint. The renovation is completed with a new plykea kitchen, outfitted with a Mercury AGA Rangemaster cooker, blending traditional style with modern functionality. Matthew was the senior architect at Project Orange, the firm to which the design and copyright are attributed
