Zen Reflector

A master in disguise: Dematerialization and drama inform the Zen Reflector

This is a lower ground floor refurbishment and extension of a Grade II listed building located in South London. The outer facade has been refurbished and new high performance crittal style doors have been installed at the rear, to enhance the building's original beauty.

The new extension nestles perfectly into the historic building fabric. Both the volume and the appearance of the extension have been tailored to work precisely within the context. We have created enough head height where needed, while tucking the new glass roof just under the existing ground floor window above. A stepped roof and gutter detail pick up the existing facade lines, while the mirror polished stainless steel fascia disguises the volume by reflecting its surroundings. Even the crittal bars have been designed as a continuation of the historic render detailing.

The project is elegant and serene, not least through the clever placement of reflective surfaces in- and externally. A steel-grating shading-structure hovers above a glass roof to mitigate solar gain to the dining area beneath. The grating is arranged to consider the movement of the sun, which in turn enables a striking shadow play throughout the interior. Soft colours and organic elements are scattered throughout, such as a woven banana leaf tapestry, natural furniture and ethnographic artworks. These provide warmth and sit in harmonious contrast to the sleek mirrored surfaces.

In the kitchen, the neutral sand coloured palette allows the joinery to blend quietly into the background. The original chimney breast has been retained and now neatly incorporates the extractor. A reflective kitchen island helps draw more natural light into the deeper parts of the plan, making the space brighter.

In the lounge an openable cabinet reveals a small workstation with a pop of colour- an unexpected but practical addition that sits discreetly within the unassuming neutral storage wall. The room is designed to be flexible. It is used for work, yoga and can also serve as a guest bedroom when needed.

The concept of dematerialization continues in the new bathroom. The utilization of double mirroring effects makes the room appear larger and lighter than its actual footprint, visually enlarging what would have otherwise been quite a small space.

This project strikes a balance between the historic and timeless modernism, between light and shade, between natural tones and reflections, between functionality and a serene aura, and between contemporary and ethnographic art. Our yoga-loving client has praised the tranquility of the space when she comes downstairs in the morning for a quiet cup of tea. Zen Reflector is exactly what the name promises!