138. THE COACH HOUSE.
DESIGN & BUILD
This unique rear extension was constructed using a series of solid oak-framed glazing units, which also form the primary structure of the build. Designed in collaboration with our sister architecture company WAJ Studio and developed alongside Conisbee Structural Engineers, the system uses triple-glazed, fire-rated glass to meet boundary wall regulations while maintaining visual openness.
The oak frames are structurally braced with concealed steel flitch plates and a series of bespoke welded brackets, all fabricated in-house. The FSC-certified kiln-dried oak was machined and assembled in our South East London workshop. Due to the irregular geometry of the site — including a tapered boundary and angled wall — three distinct frame types were developed, each precisely tailored to its location. Glazing was specified per opening: a combination of fire-rated, obscured, and clear units to address privacy and compliance.
Internally, the project features a rich palette of timbers selected in close collaboration with the client. Alongside structural oak, we incorporated walnut, maple, maple mappa burr, and softwoods, all carefully detailed to showcase the warmth and variety of natural timber as a primary architectural material.
