Addiscombe Side Return Extension

This project transforms an Edwardian house in Addiscombe, Croydon, into a contemporary, colourful and light-filled family home.

As you step through the front door, your gaze is drawn down the length of the house, through carefully framed spaces, and out to the garden beyond. The new double doorway into the living room enhances this sense of openness, allowing light to flow freely.

The hub of the home is the open-plan kitchen, dining, and family area, made possible by a side-return extension. The space is bathed in natural light, with carefully positioned roof lights that cast patterns throughout the day. The exposed brick wall adds warmth and texture, grounding the contemporary design with a tactile, earthy element. Bold blue steel beams punctuate the space, creating a playful contrast and subtly zoning the open-plan layout. The 2-meter-high window seat provides a cozy spot to relax while offering uninterrupted views of the leafy Addiscombe garden.

Practically, the home has been fully modernized to address its previous shortcomings; The existing house, with its 3-meter-high ceilings, was in poor condition and inadequately insulated. The floors were fully insulated, and underfloor heating was installed to create a warm, energy-efficient environment. The lighting design plays a significant role in defining the mood of the spaces, with strategically placed LEDs highlighting key features.

The front living room, which also serves as a cinema room, features deep blue tones and bespoke full-height joinery. Upstairs, the bathroom is a bright and joyful space, featuring a striking yellow and white colour scheme with playful geometric tiles.

This Addiscombe house feels expansive, welcoming, and deeply personal—a transformation that celebrates modern family life while making the most of its Edwardian heritage.