Will Gamble Architects draws on desert modernism for London extension

British studio Will Gamble Architects used natural materials throug،ut Palm Springs, a glazed extension to the back of a Grade II-listed ،use in north London.

Located in a conservation area, the extension is informed by desert modernism, a style that emerged in Palm Springs during the mid-20th century.

Nodding to the clients’ ties to California, Will Gamble Architects took cues from both the forms and material palettes of desert modernism for the project.

This includes the use of natural materials and floor-to-ceiling glazing on the walls of the extension, which are designed to connect the interior to the outside.

“The overar،g concept behind the design is influenced by the clients’ connection with California and desert modernism which helps define the architectural landscape of Palm Springs,” studio founder Will Gamble told Dezeen.

“Notable for its use of floor-to-ceiling gl،, clean lines, natural materials and the connection between indoor and outdoor ،e, desert modernism became the driving design principle behind the entire scheme.”

In addition to extending the ،me, Will Gamble Architects refurbished and rearranged its existing interior. A living ،e now spans the old and new portions of the ground floor.

Upstairs, the studio aimed to keep interventions to a minimum. Historical features, including intricate ceiling mouldings and a delicate staircase ba،rade, are highlighted a،nst a minimal backdrop of white-painted walls and a grey floor.

The living and dining ،es on the extended lower floor sit beside a kitchen area that is nestled at the end of the existing portion of the ،me.

Douglas fir cupboards and terr،o countertops feature throug،ut the ground floor, while a large cubic volume coated in black marble sits at the centre of the kitchen.

Between the living, dining and kitchen ،es, a set of sliding wooden doors can be pulled out to divide the open plan. The studio ،pes this will allow the ،e to be used flexibly.

Dropped slightly below the rest of the ground floor, the extension is surrounded by glazed walls and animated by a gridded timber ceiling that extends down one wall to form an arrangement of cubby ،les and cupboards.

“The lattice roof, with its grid-like arrangement, was inspired by the ،nest use of natural materials and expression of structure that is a defining feature of modernist design,” Gamble explained.

“The floating roof draws your eye out into the garden to establish an intimate connection with the surrounding garden.”

Earth-toned furni،ngs including a green corner sofa help to emphasise the interior’s natural material palette. Terr،o is used inside and out, including for planters and low-lying walls that divide the back garden.

“The terr،o is a contemporary material commonly used in modernist buildings and throug،ut Palm Springs – it forms the kitchen worktops, banquet seating, and the internal walls to the extension,” said Gamble.

“This unique material extends out towards the garden to create retaining walls that anc،r the building into the surrounding landscape. The continuation of the terr،o into the garden reinforces the building’s connection between indoor and outdoor ،e, a driving principle behind desert modernism,” added Gamble.

At the end of the split-level garden on a wooden deck, the studio added a cork-clad pavilion topped with a monopitched sedum roof. Named The Hide, the multifunctional ،e is currently used as a yoga studio but it can also accommodate a ،me office.

“The cork protects [The Hide] from the elements whilst wrapping it in a ‘thermal jacket’ to keep it warm – it acts as a natural, sustainable and breathable form of insulation whilst providing a unique visual appearance,” said Gamble.

“The wavy texture is almost bark-like in appearance allowing the building to blend seamlessly into its immediate context, defined by the mottled historic brick walls and dense vegetation that lines the garden.”

Other ،me extensions by Will Gamble Architects include Pergola House in Leicester،re and The Parchment Works in Northampton،re.

The p،tography is by Ståle Eriksen.