Kathryn Finlayson, an 84-year-old resident of East Barnet, London, faced a familiar dilemma: her beloved home, an Edwardian detached house, needed updating, and she wanted to stay in the area. Instead of moving, she chose an innovative solution: downsizing by expanding into her existing property. This involved replacing a single-story extension with a new, energy-efficient house, designed by architect James Mak. The project, which began in September 2023, was a testament to her foresight and love for her neighborhood. Here's how she did it, and the unique features of her new home.
A Home That Evolves with Her
Kathryn's decision to downsize was driven by her desire to stay in the area and maintain her hobbies, such as dancing the tango and quickstep. She wanted a house that was warm and not too expensive to heat, and one that could accommodate her daughter and grandchildren when they visit from Brussels. By shifting a few feet to the left and adding a new, well-insulated house, she achieved her goals.
A Design That Impressed
Kathryn initially wanted a detached house, but Mak convinced her that a semi-detached design would provide larger rooms. The new house, built on the same plot as her existing property, is 114 square meters, compared to 19 square meters smaller if it had been detached. The design features an open-plan sitting room, kitchen, and dining area on the ground floor, with a curved ceiling inspired by the work of Edwin Lutyens, one of Kathryn's favorite architects.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Following Passivhaus principles, the new house is designed to achieve maximum energy efficiency by reducing the need for extra heating or cooling. It has substantial mineral wool insulation and a mechanical ventilation heat-recovery system, which swaps stale air for fresh air while recovering heat. An air-source heat pump, powered by photovoltaic panels on the south-facing roof, warms up water for underfloor heating, making the house much cheaper to heat than her former home.
A Personal Touch
Kathryn was pleased with the modernist, stripped-back design, which floods the interior with natural light through full-height windows and the vaulted ceiling. She made a small tweak by asking for a small office alcove for her computer, which Mak created behind the stairs. Her daughter, Rosalind, who initially questioned the plans, was won over by Mak's personal charm and a 3D computer walkthrough of the proposed house using virtual-reality goggles.
A Smooth Build Process
Planning permission took six months, and the project started in September 2023. Mak found the contractor, Built London, via a recommendation, and the build went smoothly. Kathryn was not disturbed by the noise and mess during construction, and the site manager and builders were very helpful. The initial £600,000 project cost ballooned to £900,000 due to the invasion of Ukraine, but Kathryn was able to borrow the excess until she sold her Edwardian house.
A New Start
Kathryn moved into her new home in November 2024, and she was pleased to find that she didn't have to dispose of much furniture from her old house. Virtually all of the furniture is from next door, including a rosewood veneer dining table with metal legs made by her husband, Jon, from leftover timber. The house is alive with the memory of Jon and reflects his style, as well as Mak's. Kathryn is now enjoying a home that is both functional and beautiful, and she is ready to embrace the future with a sense of comfort and security.
