Extension to a Victorian Terrace, Hither Green, Lewisham
This Victorian mid-terrace home in Lewisham, South London, underwent a thoughtful renovation led by Model Projects. The works included a single-storey rear extension and side return, extending six metres from the original rear wall to significantly enhance the ground floor living space.
Project Type: Renovation and Extension
Project Profile: The house was renovated alongside a rear extension, new bathroom and garden works.
Location: Hither Green, Lewisham
Build Time: 4 months
The design introduced a light-filled, open-plan kitchen, dining, and family area. This was achieved through the use of tall bifold doors opening onto the garden and a fixed glazed roof panel over the side return, allowing natural light to flood the space throughout the day. Underfloor heating was installed to ensure comfort during colder months.
A standout feature is the exposed London stock brick wall, which subtly defines different zones within the open-plan layout. A cosy family snug/playroom was also created at the rear, offering direct views of the garden.
Elsewhere in the home, the living room was redecorated, with the original fireplace surround and hearth updated to complement the reinstated gas fire. The first-floor bathroom was also fully renovated, bringing a fresh, modern finish to this period property.
To learn more about this case study or talk about your own porject, please contact us by phone at 020 7095 8833 or via email at hello@modelprojects.co.uk.
Click Through Gallery
Project Design and Features
A key focus of this project was to create a seamless blend between the new extension and the original Victorian home. Model Projects achieved this by introducing a light-coloured pitched roof form, flanked by traditional London stock brick party walls. Two neatly integrated downpipes on either side enhance the symmetry and provide a sense of balance to the rear elevation.
At the heart of the new extension, a large set of bi-folding doors opens directly onto the garden, allowing natural light to flood into the open-plan kitchen and living space. This connection to the outdoors enhances the feeling of space and openness throughout the ground floor.
The kitchen sits at the centre of the home and features a light grey Shaker-style design with a central island for casual dining and entertaining. The original chimney stack has been repurposed to house a range cooker, while a marble worktop, classic butler sink, and statement pendant lighting add thoughtful, characterful touches.
Upstairs, the first-floor bathroom was fully updated, combining period charm with modern comfort. A classic bath is paired with contemporary shower fittings, and patterned floor tiles introduce a playful contrast to the otherwise clean-lined scheme.
The previously overgrown garden was completely transformed into a welcoming urban retreat, featuring a terraced seating area, gravel pathways, layered planting, and a practical garden shed tucked away at the rear.
Tim & Cat's Review
MODEL Projects’ Stage 1 Creation Pack was the perfect way for us to assess our potential home renovation. We purchased our first house last year and our main aim was to turn it into our home. After seeing some of the images which MODEL Projects posted on Houzz from previous projects, and meeting the team at the Build It Live show in Bluewater, we were impressed with the passionate team, who are all clearly committed to what they do. They have been fun to work with and not afraid to challenge us when they think we are taking a wrong turn.
The clear, simple, well articulated approach with defined and well structured deliverables at each stage set the team apart from their competitors. The process allows us to develop the project at our own pace, whilst maintaining momentum. Their management of the supporting services, such as party wall issues is helpful for us as we have very demanding and busy jobs. In taking the stress away from the process, it has allowed us to focus our energies on the parts of our new home which matter to us the most, like the kitchen design and finishes. We look forward to taking the design to the next stage.
Before and After 3D Cut-through Plans
Before: 3D Floorplans (Ground and Section)
After: 3D Floorplans (Ground and Section)
Route to Planning
Model Projects decided to utilise the property’s Permitted Development Rights, and due to the depth of the extension being over 3 meters a prior notification was required. An application for planning was submitted through a Certificate of Lawfulness for both the rear extension and loft conversion with approval being granted.
Permission for the ground floor, single storey, rear extension was gained under Class A - enlargement, improvement or alteration under the property’s Permitted Development.
The side return and extension increased the property’s size from 115m2 to 129m2.
As featured in Good Homes Magazine
