Douglas Fir and Natural Materials in a London Home

In the heart of Peckham, at the end of a serene terrace, a four-bedroom house has undergone a remarkable transformation guided by the expert hands of Emil Eve Architects. The project meticulously blends light, materiality, and sustainability, drawing inspiration from the architectural elegance of Japan and Scandinavia while preserving the essence of its Victorian heritage.

The extension and refurbishment have resulted in spaces that strike a balance between intimacy and expansiveness. At the core of the design is the extensive use of sustainable Douglas fir, forming the exposed timber structure, exterior cladding, and interior joinery and fittings. This creates a cohesive aesthetic palette that flows seamlessly from the exterior to the interior.

The use of natural materials, such as breathable lime plaster walls and earthy terracotta tiles in the back garden, brings warmth and tranquility to the home. These materials beautifully complement the color and grain of the Douglas fir, creating a harmonious environment. The lime plaster walls, in particular, provide a soft texture that changes with the light throughout the day, adding a dynamic quality to the living spaces.

The double reception room at the front of the house is painted in Little Greene’s ‘Olive Colour’.

A unique feature of the courtyard is a concealed mirror placed between the cladding slats. This innovative design element visually extends the exterior space and reflects light deep into the house, enhancing the sense of openness.

kitchen with dining space and built in bench

The extension houses a spacious kitchen with blue cabinets and a dining area with a built-in bench for lots of seating space. The concrete floor creates a clean and modern look to the space.

kitchen island with open and closed cabinets

wooden kitchen extension with dining bench

The kitchen space is oriented to capture maximum sunlight and opens up to a walled back garden. The rear extension’s splayed design, tall glazed doors, and deep-framed timber windows provide abundant natural light and stunning views throughout the home.

The biggest bedroom on the first floor has beautiful lime plaster walls which create a soft texture on the wall.

On the top floor, a new bedroom with an en suite bath is created within a zinc-clad roof extension, adding brightness and modernity to the upper level. The space is very light thanks to two large skylights, a roof light; and French doors that open onto planters.