LAURIER ROAD
LAURIER ROAD
A carefully designed roof extension that raises a 1930s infill house to match the surrounding buildings, while adding to its appearance and functionality and family life.
Urban Oasis Award
“The Judges admired how Laurier Road extended a simple Post-war block to create a great rooftop space with outside terraces and views across the neighbourhood. They praised the outstanding contextual design, the generosity of light in every room and the strong connection it created with its surroundings.
The Brief
The project involved renovating and extending a 1930s house in Dartmouth Park Conservation Area. The goals were to:
The project involved renovating and extending a 1930s house in Dartmouth Park Conservation Area. The goals were to:
- Improve the house’s proportions in relation to its surroundings.
- Enhance interior space with natural light and optimise
- Use materials that respect the existing architecture while introducing a contemporary aesthetic.
The Challenge
The house was originally out of scale with neighboring buildings, making it stand out awkwardly. The design needed to integrate the extension discretely while meeting conservation area guidelines.
The Outcome
- Improved street presence – The extension raises the roofline to align with neighboring homes, reinforcing the urban scale of the corner plot.
- Distinctive yet sensitive design – Three zinc-clad volumes are set back from the parapets, breaking up the massing and ensuring a balanced appearance.
- Optimised privacy and views – Vertical fins provide privacy while being angled to frame the best views from the upper-floor living spaces and preventing solar gain in the summer months.
Why This Project Stands Out
This extension successfully transforms an underwhelming building into a refined and well-integrated home, respecting the conservation area while improving both aesthetics and functionality.