De Beauvoir House

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London-based firm Cousins and Cousins Architects have recently completed a refurbishment and unique rear extension to ‘De Beauvoir House’.

London-based firm Cousins and Cousins Architects have recently completed a refurbishment and unique rear extension to ‘De Beauvoir House’, a semi-detached family home in East London.

The brief was to extend the house and rework existing spaces to meet the needs of a growing family. Cousins and Cousins responded by creating an expansive double volume rear extension, using a lightweight laminated timber frame and full-height glazing, creating a series of exceptionally bright new spaces. A bespoke steel staircase winds its way up through the centre of the house and connects the living spaces. The staircase is completely visible through the rear extension and from some angles it looks like it’s exposed to the elements, but it is in fact cleverly contained within the glazing. “The staircase forms the new heart of the house, a meticulously detailed and sculptural point of access that defines the spaces it connects,” said the architects.

Both the Hackney Council and neighbours alike have applauded the project. Good job!