Old Rotherhithe

Old Rotherhithe is a prototype for the holistic eco-retrofit of a typical, modest terraced home. This project combines an extension and a retrofit, quietly introducing an extra bedroom while only using 6.5m² of space. A new rain- and light-well created between the house and its extension channels fresh air and light into the heart of the plan, where most terraced houses suffer.

The health and well-being of both people and planet are designed into every detail, with internal wall insulation and a whole-house ventilation system that recycles energy and breathes life into the space. The MVHR unit smoothly filters out road pollutants, while the triple-glazed windows hush the sounds of the train tracks from over the garden wall. With these clever eco-tricks, we have transformed an otherwise dark and typical terraced home into a peaceful, eco-friendly, forward-thinking dwelling. They worked alongside local builders, engaging directly in construction and getting our hands dirty on site. Materials were ordered 'just in time' to minimise wastage and avoid storage in this very constrained location, wedged between the road and the rails.

Cleverly arranged mirrors scatter natural light across the kitchen, merging cooking, dining, and living into a unified space, filled with light and a sense of openness. At the rear, the extension transformed a drab, damp yard into a verdant garden terrace that hovers over the train tracks, adding life to the concrete chaos of commuters' views and creating an active frontage over the station platforms. Its lead cladding will naturally pale over time, blending with the surrounding tones and materials.

This project reimagines the potential of a small, awkwardly positioned terraced house. It proves that even with tight budgets on both planet and purse, thoughtful design can nurture well-being in compact, resource-conscious spaces, without sacrificing comfort or quality.