A dynamic checkerboard roof with meticulously detailed rooflights was the architectural answer for an extension into an old car-parking space, which was surrounded on all sides by brick walls.

About Studio 

Studio McW was founded by David McGahon and Greg Walton. The practice operates across London and the UK, with a young talented team, working on a diverse typology of sectors including high-end private residential and mixed-use schemes. The practice projects are characterized by unexpected and surprising architectural details, with the use of natural materials that portray an element of craft.

The main live/work space was to have a series of roof lights designed across it to bring in light while keeping privacy from nearby windows.
The main live/work space was to have a series of roof lights designed across it to bring in light while keeping privacy from nearby windows.
A living area during the day and a home office at night. The area can also be used as a guest bedroom thanks to a fold-down bed hidden in the joinery.
A living area during the day and a home office at night. The area can also be used as a guest bedroom thanks to a fold-down bed hidden in the joinery.
Aptly named the Chequerboard House due to the roof light design, the resulting interior is dramatic but highly useable.
Aptly named the Chequerboard House due to the roof light design, the resulting interior is dramatic but highly useable.
Process drawings of the house.
Process drawings of the house.

Bound on all sides by brick walls, the architectural solution for an extension into an old car-parking space was to create a dynamic chequerboard roof, with carefully detailed roof lights.

An old car parking space adjacent to our clients’ property was the perfect spot to create more space for their growing family. Bound on all sides by brick walls, and a planning stipulation that the front elevation was to remain as a ‘garage.’ The architectural proposal was to design a series of roof lights across the main live/work space to draw in light whilst maintaining privacy from neighboring windows.

Aptly named the Chequerboard House due to the roof light design, the resulting interior is dramatic but highly useable; a work-from-home space in the day and a living room in the evening. A fold-down bed concealed within the joinery means the space can also become a guest bedroom.

Related Posts