Offset House

This transformative renovation and extension breathes new life into a classic Victorian terrace in Cambridge’s historic Riverside Conservation Area, seamlessly bridging heritage architecture with sustainable, modern living.

The primary objective was to unlock the restrictive original footprint to create a bright, spacious family kitchen and dining area. The core of this transformation is a bold side and rear extension that completely redefines the rear elevation. Rather than a standard box addition, we engineered a distinctive asymmetric roofline that serves as a striking architectural centrepiece, with every angle purpose-driven to enhance the home’s environmental performance and daily liveability.

The unique pitch of the asymmetric roof is precisely calculated to maximise southern exposure, ensuring peak energy generation for the integrated solar array. Complementing this, an extended rear architectural projection acts as a structural canopy, providing vital natural shading to keep the expansive glass-fronted interior cool during summer. This projection also effortlessly extends the living zone out onto the raised outdoor terrace. Externally, the addition makes no attempt to mimic the past, instead carving out its own distinct, contemporary identity. We paired the sharp, modern lines of rich brown zinc with the organic warmth of cedar cladding. This textured facade is perfectly framed by floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that are designed to stack completely back in either direction, completely dissolving the threshold between the interior dining space and the garden.

Step inside, and the visual weight of the space is anchored by a stunning Knighton Blue kitchen crafted by Tomas Kitchens. The deep, sophisticated cabinetry provides a bold contrast to the light-filled room, while natural oak accents strategically echo the exterior cedar, creating a cohesive design language that flows from the inside out. Beyond its striking aesthetics, this property serves as a blueprint for eco-conscious historic renovations. We integrated a comprehensive suite of renewable technologies to drastically reduce energy reliance, including an air source heat pump that delivers highly efficient, low-carbon heating year-round. By leveraging the high-yield solar array and utilising smart battery storage to capture surplus energy for evening use, we have successfully future-proofed this beautiful family home against rising energy costs.

Architect: MOOi

Main Contractor: Peter Saunders Builders

Engineer: Andrew Firebrace Partnership

Photographer: Chris Snook Photography