Issue 48 AUG 25 web - Flipbook - Page 22
Segmental House
Part of a fine Victorian square in South London, an existing Grade II listed 1850 house has
been sensitively renovated and extended by Dominic McKenzie Architects (DMA).
Inspired by the arched windows and openings in the
historic house, DMA’s design balances contemporary
playfulness with sensitivity to the listed building and
context. The architect's particular ambition was to
produce a highly crafted and materially original extension
that lasts for generations to come.
The bespoke bricks were made by WH Collier, a company
that has produced handmade bricks since 1863. For
Segmental House, five unique timber moulds were used
to cast all the facing bricks in the extension. As well as
the segment/arch motif bricks, a brick special is also used
around the large glazed arch opening addressing the rear
garden.
Responding to the surroundings of dark weathered
brickwork, DMA’s extension fits sympathetically – a
largely solid form read as part of a composition with the
house’s original outrigger to the left.
Regarding the interior, the clients had expressed their love
of Scandinavian Modernism, particularly its use of timber
panelling. Here, DMA paid close attention to Gunnar
Asplund’s 1936 Gothenburg City Hall.
To subtly differentiate the extension from the existing
house, the new bricks feature a graphic arch or segment
motif. The bricks were then arranged in a Flemish bond
pattern matching the main house wall and pointed with
lime mortar.
The lower ground panelling is made of Douglas fir
plywood arranged in two bands: a solid upper panel and
a slatted dado layer. Rounded timber mouldings are used
for joints and to add articulation to the panelling.
i
i
Conservation & Heritage Journal
20
