WESTERDAHL - Folded House
WESTERDAHL - Folded House
WESTERDAHL - Folded House
WESTERDAHL - Folded House

Folded House

Cambridge, UK, 2023

In Cambridge, this project transformed a long-standing family home to create a new kitchen and expanded living room with significantly improved connection to the large garden. The existing space was deep and dark, with an excessive amount of utility and storage space. The client, who is a couple with grown children, wanted a more open space that allows for large family gatherings, as well as a better connection to the garden. To achieve this, all utility spaces were reorganised and a side extension was added to accommodate a new larder. This extension was seamlessly integrated into the garden with large double doors. By curving the volume it reduced any impact on garden views.

WESTERDAHL - Folded HouseTERDAHL - Folded House
WESTERDAHL - Folded HouseTERDAHL - Folded House
WESTERDAHL - Folded HouseTERDAHL - Folded House
WESTERDAHL - Folded HouseTERDAHL - Folded House
WESTERDAHL - Folded House
WESTERDAHL - Folded House
WESTERDAHL - Folded House
WESTERDAHL - Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House

The new and existing external walls were joined behind a unifying zinc facade. This folded screen, in green, provides a delicate backdrop that blends with the lush foliage of surrounding trees. A shaded seating area by the larder and a bespoke pink lamp post for the patio further facilitates a fluid transition from indoors to outdoors. Internally, the space is organised in zones for daily activities but is open and flexible enough to accommodate large gatherings at festive occasions.

The new and existing external walls were joined behind a unifying zinc facade. This folded screen, in green, provides a delicate backdrop that blends with the lush foliage of surrounding trees. A shaded seating area by the larder and a bespoke pink lamp post for the patio further facilitates a fluid transition from indoors to outdoors. Internally, the space is organised in zones for daily activities but is open and flexible enough to accommodate large gatherings at festive occasions.

The new and existing external walls were joined behind a unifying zinc facade. This folded screen, in green, provides a delicate backdrop that blends with the lush foliage of surrounding trees. A shaded seating area by the larder and a bespoke pink lamp post for the patio further facilitates a fluid transition from indoors to outdoors. Internally, the space is organised in zones for daily activities but is open and flexible enough to accommodate large gatherings at festive occasions.

Wood dominates the material palette, with wide oak planks, iroko window frames, a hand crafted walnut kitchen and wood encased columns. A single slab of granite defines the size of the worktops. Marble pieces from the old kitchen and larder were reused in the new larder and utility rooms. Old walnut shelves were repurposed as a wall mounted bookcase under a gallery wall. The discreet internal lighting was designed in collaboration with PSLab to illuminate without glare.  

Wood dominates the material palette, with wide oak planks, iroko window frames, a hand crafted walnut kitchen and wood encased columns. A single slab of granite defines the size of the worktops. Marble pieces from the old kitchen and larder were reused in the new larder and utility rooms. Old walnut shelves were repurposed as a wall mounted bookcase under a gallery wall. The discreet internal lighting was designed in collaboration with PSLab to illuminate without glare.  

Wood dominates the material palette, with wide oak planks, iroko window frames, a hand crafted walnut kitchen and wood encased columns. A single slab of granite defines the size of the worktops. Marble pieces from the old kitchen and larder were reused in the new larder and utility rooms. Old walnut shelves were repurposed as a wall mounted bookcase under a gallery wall. The discreet internal lighting was designed in collaboration with PSLab to illuminate without glare.  

Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House

''It has been a pleasure working with Viktor Westerdahl who has transformed our kitchen so that it is integrated with the garden via a beautiful and innovative folded zinc façade and large wooden windows and doors that frame the garden. He combined the requirements for practical culinary work with outstanding design features to create a family space that is a joy to spend time in. We are delighted with the outcome and cannot recommend him highly enough.''

- Trisha

Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House

To prevent overheating to the south-west-facing facade, glazing with solar coating reduces solar gain by 30%, eliminating the need for blinds. The larder's environment was engineered for coolness using concealed adjustable wall vents, a continuous extract fan and a thermally sealed door. This allows the larder to maintain cool temperatures in summer without freezing in winter.

To prevent overheating to the south-west-facing facade, glazing with solar coating reduces solar gain by 30%, eliminating the need for blinds. The larder's environment was engineered for coolness using concealed adjustable wall vents, a continuous extract fan and a thermally sealed door. This allows the larder to maintain cool temperatures in summer without freezing in winter.

To prevent overheating to the south-west-facing facade, glazing with solar coating reduces solar gain by 30%, eliminating the need for blinds. The larder's environment was engineered for coolness using concealed adjustable wall vents, a continuous extract fan and a thermally sealed door. This allows the larder to maintain cool temperatures in summer without freezing in winter.

Folded House
Folded House
Folded House
Folded House

The project relied on close collaboration between client, architect, builder and specialist suppliers to deliver a calming oasis tailored for a family with many friends.

Details

Location: Cambridge
Project: Extension and refurbishment of Victorian house
Client: Ed and Trisha
Completed: 2023

Team

Architect & Principal Designer: Westerdahl.
Structural engineer: Gawn Associates
Main contractor: Carlton E. West Building Services Ltd. (stopped trading)
Zinc facade: Zinc by VMZinc, manufacture by Belfry Facade Systems Ltd, installation by Just Hard Metals
Internal lighting design and supply: PSLab Lighting Design
Stone work: Supply by The Marble & Granite Centre Ltd., fabrication by Ivett & Reed Ltd
Landscaping works: Maciej Doberstein, Cambridge Property Services
Photographer: Funto King