![Burnt House by Hayhurst and Co](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/04/burnt-house-hayhurst-co-architecture-residential-extensions-uk-london_dezeen_hero-1-852x479.jpg)
Hayhurst and Co adds charred-timber extension to basement flat in north London
Dark timber cladding applied to the exterior of this extension to a London flat by Hayhurst and Co contrasts the white-oiled boards that line the kitchen and dining space within.
![Burnt House by Hayhurst and Co](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/04/burnt-house-hayhurst-co-architecture-residential-extensions-uk-london_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x639.jpg)
The east-London studio headed by architects Nick Hayhurst and Jonathan Nicholls was tasked with reorganising the layout of the flat in a Victorian terrace, and enhancing its connection with the garden.
"The brief for the project was to create a timber-clad 'outdoor' room: a space that softens the threshold between the rich sylvan character of the garden and the traditional character of the Victorian rooms inside," said the architects.
![Burnt House by Hayhurst and Co](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/04/burnt-house-hayhurst-co-architecture-residential-extensions-uk-london_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x1137.jpg)
The new addition increases the internal floor area of the existing three-bedroom basement flat from 119 square metres to 136 square metres.
The single-storey structure extends out beyond the existing basement-level bay window to accommodate a new kitchen and dining area facing the garden.
![Burnt House by Hayhurst and Co](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/04/burnt-house-hayhurst-co-architecture-residential-extensions-uk-london_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x638.jpg)
The ceiling of the compact space slants up towards the steeply sloping garden. A large window set into the end wall creates a strong visual link between interior and exterior.
"The large rear picture window frames the banked garden, creating a 'landscape' view from inside the home and providing an ever-changing seasonal aspect," said the studio.
The slope of the extension's ceiling is continued by a slatted pergola that creates a partially covered terrace offering privacy from the flat above.
![Burnt House by Hayhurst and Co](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/04/burnt-house-hayhurst-co-architecture-residential-extensions-uk-london_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x639.jpg)
The exterior of the extension is clad in charred larch, chosen to provide a dark tone and natural texture that helps it to blend in with the garden.
The wooden boards lining the new interior feature a contrasting white-oiled finish that creates a visual separation between inside and outside.
"The use of timber in this way is seen as a sustainable finish that unobtrusively sets the new extension within its landscape and provides a contemporary interpretation of the traditional conservatory."
![Burnt House by Hayhurst and Co](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/04/burnt-house-hayhurst-co-architecture-residential-extensions-uk-london_dezeen_2364_col_9-852x1137.jpg)
A built-in bench made from the charred wood provides seating for the dining area alongside a pair of doors that open onto the decked patio.
Hayhurst and Co has previously added an extension inspired by beach houses to another London property, and designed a house and studio with a sloping roof covered in hundreds of plants for a designer couple.
Project credits:
Architect: Hayhurst and Co
Team: Nick Hayhurst, Jonathan Nicholls, Amy Waite, Howard Miller, Jess Lyons
Structural engineer: Iain Wright Associates
Contractor: Newbold and Ball