Project Story · Hybrid+ Service
A rear extension that challenged the cookie-cutter approach to a classic Victorian extension. Inside our client Laurie’s South London family home, extended and reimagined with Topology’s Hybrid+ support.
When Laurie and her family came to us, they had a major project on the horizon: a full renovation and rear extension of their Victorian home in South London, with seven rooms on the scope and one clear intention. As Laurie put it, “we wanted to do it once and do it right.” This is the story of how it came together, and what she would tell anyone planning something similar. You can explore the finished home in full over on the case study.
The Layout
How Laurie challenged the typical conversion layout.
Laurie’s layout challenged the standard extension formula. Rather than keeping the often under-used second entrance into the open-plan space, a hangover from the typical Victorian through room, she chose to close it off altogether. In its place sits a larger utility room, positioned so she can wheel the pram straight in off the living room, a genuinely useful function with two young children. It wasn’t the architects’ initial suggestion, but Laurie felt it was better suited to her family’s life.
Laurie originally hoped for full on-site project management, but with our schedule fully booked, we shaped our Hybrid+ service around the moments that matter most instead: an in-person initial meeting, a measuring survey, kitchen showroom visits with Harvey Jones, a dedicated samples meeting and a further site visit towards the end of the renovation to see progress.
Behind the scenes, and working alongside architects Studio Werc, we produced a full paint plan, elevations and a trade pack for the builders, so every design decision was thought through before work began. The rest of the design was delivered remotely and Laurie managed the renovation herself.
Shop the look
A few pieces from Laurie’s home.
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The Structural Details
An open-plan heart, with calm built around it.
The extension created an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space anchored by a Harvey Jones kitchen with a walnut island. A utility room keeps the practical side of family life contained, and the separate front lounge gives the family somewhere calmer to retreat to once the kids are in bed. It is a home built for sharing, too. From family celebrations to spontaneous play dates, people gather around the island, the kids play nearby, and there is enough space for everyone to feel comfortable without the house becoming chaotic.
The structural choices are what set the space apart. Laurie opted for Crittall-style doors and windows over the bi-folds you see on most extensions, giving the rear of the house a finer, more characterful frame. And instead of the usual flat roof, she chose a pitched roof on the right-hand side of the extension, drawing considerably more natural light into the space.
Laurie’s Advice
Three things she’d tell anyone planning an extension.
Take real care choosing contractors and suppliers
Experienced trades are more efficient, and the cost they quote is the cost you pay. Have real conversations with them, see their work, speak to their previous clients or look at reviews.
Put AI to work on the project admin
Laurie used AI tools throughout to keep costs in check, from extracting actions out of emails and wrangling spreadsheets to sourcing the pieces she loved for less and refining the brief.
Bring in an interior designer before the builders start
It might seem counterintuitive to your budget, but having every design decision, layout, joinery detail and specification thought through from the outset saves time, and therefore money. Access to trade discounts can save thousands more.
The Details
Hallway tiles
London Mosaic, recreating the home’s original Victorian pattern
Paints
Walls in ‘Stock’ and cabinets in ‘Clay Mid’, both by Little Greene; media unit in ‘Baked’ by COAT
Carpets
Sisal bouclé in colour Caraway, with trim code ‘GLV22’
Work with Topology
Planning something similar?
See the full before and after, house tour and shop the look on the case study, then get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.
View the full case study