Ridge Road is an imaginative single-storey replacement ground floor side and rear extension to an end of terrace Edwardian property in Crouch End, London. The brief, ably managed and designed by Mulroy Architects, was to improve the ground floor living spaces to accommodate the needs of modern family life. A new kitchen is housed within the side extension, from which sliding doors provide direct access to a level patio.
The extension to the rear, houses a bright sunroom, which enjoys views of the garden beyond through a frameless corner window. Inside, the two new extensions, which are flooded with light from two roof lights and large areas of glazing, are connected with an open plan dining area that sits within the original house built of London Yellow stock.
The principal material of the extension is clay brick, in actual fact, Staffordshire Blue bricks made by Ketley Brick. This is enhanced by the use of thermally broken painted aluminium windows within.
The creative pattern of the brickwork adds texture and interest to the extension. Bricks have been placed at different recesses and decorated with randomly placed articulated bricks towards the corners of the extension giving an impression of depth, and creating playful shadows in the daylight.
The rugged charcoal-blue colour of the brick provides a striking contrast to the traditional soft yellow stock brick of the rear facade of the existing house. Steps of the same brick lead upwards from the patio to the raised rear garden. Contrast in perfect harmony!
