In pictures: Threshold House – Studio McW’s sharp steel and brick extension

The facade of this superior Hackney extension has two contrasting but complementary sections – one brick, one steel. The two are unified by a single paint colour – olive green – shared by the Crittall-style doors in the main brick section and the oversized yet elegant steelwork forming the counterpoint section.

The increased footprint accommodates a kitchen-dining area plus adjoining living room, utility room, dual-access bathroom and a study/spare bedroom. The two elements of the new rear facade articulate the relationship between the larger internal social spaces on the left, and more private rooms on the right.

The brick elevation bookends the kitchen-diner, with tiered brickwork extending outwards from the full-height doors to create a sense of depth and solidity. To the right, in line with the existing outrigger above, the steel elements contrast satisfyingly with the weight and texture of the brickwork.

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The project was initially conceived with a fully brick elevation, but the metalwork was introduced to prevent the extension from feeling too imposing from the garden. A green roof on the extension also camouflages the structure from the upper ground floor reception rooms.

The metal framework projects to the same depth as the brick. Simple recessed windows include a sliding window that opens onto a brick bench outside. This is mirrored internally by a built-in seat in the study. Crossed steel detailing overhangs the sliding window, letting it remain open even when it is raining.

Studio McW was founded by David McGahon and Greg Walton in 2016. The practice operates nationally, across a range of sectors including high-end private residential and mixed-use schemes.