Sited next to Abney Park cemetery, one of Londons Magnificent Seven cemeteries, the project at Park House replaces a leaky polycarbonate conservatory with a new extension.Designed for a two writers and their cats, the new space accommodates a dining and living space, reading and writing nooks and playful features for the pets.The new ground floor also includes a WC and utility storage space, hidden behind a continuous folding wall.AdvertisementSurrounded by trees and plants that change colour with the seasons, the home also doubles up as a sanctuary for nature lovers, overlooking a historic wall covered in ivy. The scheme employs screw pile foundations to protect the roots of trees and the foundations of the Grade II-listed wall.The extension features a curved corner with large glazed windows framing the wall with internal seating. A large circular rooflight above the kitchen also highlights views of the tree canopy.Internally, the palette of natural materials and tones has been drawn from the surrounding woodland with timber used as a unifying element throughout for the structure, joinery, windows and furniture. Hand-made worktops have been made from recycled wood chip waste set into terrazzo.Terracotta tiles were inspired by the earth and external finishes use a range of colours that reference the changing seasons complemented by a lilac-tiled plinth that wraps around the extension.Architects viewDaniel and Aurlie approached us to replace a leaky polycarbonate conservatory at the back of their Hackney home with an extension that would provide a generous dining and living space, reading and writing nooks, and playful features for their two cats.For the project, we drew inspiration from the surrounding woodland and the historic Grade II-listed wall of Abney Park, using a palette of natural materials and colours. To protect the roots of the trees and the foundations of the historic wall, we used screw pile foundations, ensuring the integrity of the site was preserved.Every detail was designed with both the owners and their cats in mind. A soft, layered landscape of seating wraps around the dining and kitchen areas, creating inviting reading nooks, cosy hideaways and perches for the cats.The design strikes a careful balance between connecting the home to its natural surroundings and protecting the historic structures and trees. The result is a space that encourages discovery, celebrates the trees of Abney Park, and offers a peaceful yet inspiring retreat for its owners and their feline companions.Catrina Stewart and Hugh McEwen, co-founders, Office S&M ArchitectsClients viewWe had a wonderful time working with Catrina and Malin. They did a great job from the first meetings talking about our needs and ideas to coming up with an exciting concept to having them overview all of the works. Would highly recommend this amazing team!Daniel and AurlieProject dataLocation Hackney, LondonStart on site January 2024CompletionMay 2024Gross internal floor area 120m2Gross (internal + external) floor area 170m2Form of contractTraditional (RIBA Building Contract)Construction cost 214,000Construction cost per m2 3,800Architect Office S&M ArchitectsClient Daniel and AurlieStructural engineer Foster StructuresPrincipal designer CDRMApproved building inspector AssentMain contractor Magic ProjectsCAD software used AutoCADAdvertisement