Victorian Side Return Extension | Hackney E5

White Brick House is a contemporary side return extension and renovation to a Victorian terraced house in Hackney, E5. Designed for a growing family, the project transforms a previously dark and constrained ground floor into a bright, open-plan living space whilst preserving the entire rear garden—an important consideration on this compact urban site.

Rather than extending into the garden, the new extension infills the existing side return alongside the Victorian outrigger, making efficient use of underused space without reducing valuable outdoor amenity. With the garden facing north, maximising natural daylight became central to the design. A large rectangular roof light illuminates the heart of the extension, while a distinctive triangular roof light positioned at the junction between the existing house and the new addition draws additional daylight deep into the plan, creating bright and welcoming living spaces throughout the day.

Constructed in crisp white brick, the extension provides a deliberate contrast to the original weathered yellow London stock brick of the Victorian house. Where old and new meet, the brickwork interlocks to create a carefully crafted architectural detail that celebrates the relationship between the existing building and its contemporary addition. The white brick continues into the interior, strengthening the connection between inside and out while giving the kitchen and dining space a distinctive character.

An oak-lined window seat overlooking the garden provides a place to read, additional seating around the dining table and integrated storage. Although modest in scale, it has become one of the clients' favourite places in the house.