Zigzag House

Zigzag House is a contemporary side and rear extension to a Victorian property designed to create a spacious, contemporary family kitchen and dining area.

A defining architectural feature of the addition is its distinctive zigzag roof. This dynamic form maximises internal ceiling height while seamlessly maintaining a continuous roofline that extends outward from the side infill return, creating a dramatic sense of volume and light within the home.

The exterior material palette is carefully considered to reflect the existing building and create a contemporary bold statement. The extension is bookended by robust flank walls constructed from Cambridge Gault brickwork. Nestled between these pale masonry elements is a facade clad in varied-width burnt larch timber, offering a rich, textured contrast. Set against this dark, charred backdrop are custom downpipes and rainwater hoppers finished in a vibrant “May Green”. These elements transform functional drainage into a highly considered, playful architectural focal point.

Inside, the material and colour narrative continues to flow seamlessly from the architecture to the interior design. The newly formed open-plan layout houses a beautifully crafted kitchen by deVOL, finished in their rich “Bakehouse Green” to echo the vibrant exterior details. Warm oak accents integrated throughout the cabinetry perfectly complement both the bold green tones and the natural textures of the home, resulting in a cohesive, thoughtfully tailored environment perfectly suited for modern family living.

In recognition of its outstanding design and construction, Zigzag House was Highly Commended at the Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards 2026.

Main Contractor: Gercke Building Services
Engineer: Andrew Firebrace Partnership
Landscaping: Cultivate Gardens
Photographer: Matthew Smith Architectural Photography