Located on Parkholme Road in Hackney E8, the Hackney House project by Architecture for London breathes new life into an early Victorian residence. With a focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and comfort, this retrofit has transformed the home into a warm, family-friendly space, seamlessly blending traditional elements with modern design.
HOUSING
The design features a rear extension that enhances the home’s connection to the garden, providing an inviting area for family gatherings. A highlight of the renovation is the curved stair crafted from lime plaster, leading to a newly converted loft space that offers an additional bedroom with a generous dormer window, adding natural light and a sense of spaciousness.
This fossil fuel-free house embraces two air source heat pumps installed in the garden to power the underfloor heating system. Additionally, a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit ensures the circulation of fresh, filtered air, enhancing indoor air quality. Innovative materials such as wood fibre insulation and aerogel in window reveals prevent cold bridges and condensation, improving thermal comfort throughout the year.
To minimize embodied energy, the renovation employed composite steel and timber flitch beams, balancing structural integrity with sustainability. The rear extension showcases a thoughtful use of materials, combining Marshmoor brick with concrete lintels containing 50% Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS), significantly reducing the project’s environmental impact. Inside, the house features finishes of stone tiles, solid oak, and oak-veneered plywood, providing natural textures and a sense of understated elegance.
Completed in June 2024 after two years of construction, the project covers a gross internal floor area of 182 sqm. Led by Titas Grikevičius, the team at Architecture for London handled both the structural and interior design aspects, with Jonat Ltd serving as the main contractor.
The Hackney House project exemplifies how sustainable practices and thoughtful design can preserve architectural heritage while ensuring modern comfort. This retrofit not only respects the home’s Victorian character but also sets a benchmark for environmentally conscious urban living.
