The Courtyard Extension
Blending Architecture with Landscape
Located in London, The Courtyard Extension is a refurbishment and expansion of a 19th-century semi-detached property designed to merge interior and exterior living. Working as residential architects and extension specialists, Morph Design Studio created a design that reflects our client’s expertise as a landscape designer. The concept centred on establishing a natural dialogue between the home and its courtyard garden. The result is a light-filled, tactile space where architecture and nature coexist seamlessly.
A Contemporary Vision for a Historic Home
Our architects began with a detailed study of the property’s historic form, producing accurate technical drawings to guide the design process. The new extension was carefully positioned to respect the proportions of the 19th-century structure while introducing clean, modern lines. Acting as the planning approval architect, we ensured all proposals aligned with local London regulations and conservation principles. The transformation demonstrates how historic homes can evolve through sensitive design, retaining their character while meeting modern expectations for light, space, and flexibility.
Designing for Light and Connection
A central aim of the project was to strengthen the relationship between the house and the garden. Full-width Crittall-style doors and windows now frame views of the courtyard, flooding the space with daylight. The new artist studio sits just beyond, linked by fully opening doors that dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior. Acting as extension architects, we prioritised proportion, sightlines, and material warmth to enhance the client’s connection to their surroundings. The result is a bright, flowing living environment defined by openness and balance.
Material Honesty and Texture
Inside, a palette of bare brick, natural timber, and warm stone creates a tactile and timeless interior. These materials complement the original house, providing visual continuity between the existing structure and the new addition. Our architectural design approach focused on authenticity, celebrating raw surfaces that echo the landscape beyond. This simplicity allows the surrounding courtyard to take centre stage, blurring the line between architecture and garden. Carefully considered detailing ensures that every junction and finish contributes to the project’s quiet elegance.
Craftsmanship and Technical Precision
Behind the calm appearance lies extensive technical coordination and building project management. Our architects worked closely with engineers, joiners, and glazing specialists to achieve the fine balance between structure and transparency. Detailed technical drawings ensured that the glazing systems, brickwork, and timber connections aligned perfectly. Through ongoing site management, we maintained control of quality, schedule, and cost. The outcome reflects Morph Design Studio’s ability to merge design vision with construction precision, delivering a home that is both robust and refined.
A Harmonious Urban Sanctuary
The Courtyard Extension captures Morph Design Studio’s philosophy of creating architecture that responds to both people and place. The home’s renewed layout, generous glazing, and landscaped courtyard form a private sanctuary within the city. Acting as residential architects in London, our team has created a setting where light, material, and planting work together in harmony. This project demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design and collaboration can transform historic buildings into spaces that feel connected, contemporary, and deeply rooted in their surroundings.
