Situated on the River Ouse in York, North Yorkshire, and inspired by the utilitarian character of the backyards and service lanes, this rear extension to a Victorian terrace house is formed of two structural vaults built in local York brick. 

One arch contains an extended kitchen while the other houses a dining/ study space.Separate bike and bin stores (both planning conditions) are integrated a long the back wall of the extension and are accessed via a rear service lane.

The extension completely fills the backyard but leaves the existing side return free to form an internal courtyard. Glazed on all sides, the courtyard provides generous amounts of natural light, views and access to the kitchen, dining area and existing rear reception room. 

Clerestory glazing on the rear elevation introduces natural light from the service lane. The fully glazed dining area elevation opposite, frames a view of the courtyard. 

Internal and external materials are robust and functional throughout. The extension walls and roof are solid brickwork left exposed on the inside. Cupboard doors are engineered three-ply solid oak, while countertops are cast in-situ concrete supported on concrete arches. Typically used as a sub-floor, a power floated cement screed forms the the internal floor finish. New windows and doors are framed in chunky solid oak sections.

The first-floor bathroom fit out follows the utilitarian theme. All sanitaryware was sourced from budget suppliers and is simple and white. Inexpensive chrome brassware, stripped of its chrome finish to expose the brass and non-brass bases, are left to tarnish over time. The cross-head taps are repurposed radiator valve heads. 

Escutcheons and splashbacks are laser-cut from sheet brass. The loft stair and bedroom wardrobes are designed to form one interior element that interlocks through the central spine wall of the existing house, CNC milled from birch plywood, it was assembled as a kit of parts on site to save on time and costs.