The existing terraced house in Stoke Newington was disjointed, with a failing conservatory facing the garden.CAN has redesigned the ground floor plan by introducing a glulam-framed extension at the side and rear, allowing a total reworking to make the living, kitchen and dining areas open plan.The ground floor features full-height hemp fibre curtains and Douglas fir shutters to allow the clients spaces to be opened up or closed off as needed.AdvertisementInspired by tranquil forest references, the scheme has a material palette of majority timber and a meadow-planted roof. A green structure adds visual emphasis and reflects the client familys interest in sustainability.At the centre of the house is the kitchen, which has a roof light supported by bolted trusses and a combination of Ikea cabinets paired with bespoke-designed fronts designed by CAN. Breathable lime wash paint and recycled timber terrazzo kitchen worktops are also used in this space.The floor level in the extension has been lowered by 200mm to create a sense of openness without altering the structure.Throughout the extension, variously toned oak boards are alternated to create a repeating stripe pattern and to tie in with an earthy palette.The west-facing garden is framed by a custom-built curved window. The extensions exterior is clad in hemp fibre corrugated cladding.AdvertisementArchitects viewThe project was about creating a soft but high-impact design that is personal to the client and celebrates natural materials. Every part of this home is crafted with intention, from the trusses in the kitchen to the way materials and textures come together to create a space that reflects the clients tastes and the way they want to live.Mat Barnes, founding director, CANProject dataLocal authority Hackney CouncilLocation Stoke Newington, LondonStart on site September 2023CompletionFebruary 2024Gross internal floor area 65m (ground floor)Construction cost UndisclosedArchitect CANForm of contractTraditionalClient PrivateStructural engineer Foster StructuresLandscape designer GRDNApproved building inspector StromaMain contractor MxH ConstructionCAD software used AutoCAD