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by Sean Hill on Feb 7, 2026
In much of suburban London, home extensions follow a familiar pattern: white-rendered boxes, oversized glazing, and short-term thinking. They work - technically - but rarely inspire.
Arches House is different.
Completed in 2023, this two-storey side and rear extension in West Hampstead was designed by RISE Design Studio, residential architects specialising in home extensions and renovations in Hampstead and North West London. The project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture, persistence, and craftsmanship can transform an ordinary semi-detached house into a lasting family home with real presence.
Aerial evening view of a two-storey brick extension in West Hampstead with arched glazing, outdoor dining terrace, and integrated garden design.
Rejecting the “Standard” Extension
When the client first approached us, they already had a proposal: a typical rear extension with bi-fold doors and minimal architectural character.
It was compliant.
It was efficient.
And it was generic.
As architects in West Hampstead, we often see this pattern. Homeowners are offered solutions that prioritise speed over quality and convenience over longevity.
From the outset, our shared ambition was clear:
- No white box
- No short-term design
- No compromise on character
Instead, we set out to create a home that would feel relevant and robust for decades.
Angled rear view highlighting the crafted brickwork, arched openings, and layered massing of Arches House.
Understanding West Hampstead and Hampstead Context
West Hampstead and the wider Hampstead area are defined by strong Victorian and Edwardian housing stock - buildings with texture, proportion, and material integrity.
As Hampstead architects, we believe new extensions should respond to this context rather than ignore it.
At Arches House, this meant working with:
- Expressive brickwork
- Deep masonry reveals
- Arched openings
- Carefully layered massing
- Disciplined proportions
The aim was not imitation, but reinterpretation - creating architecture that feels rooted and contemporary.
Open-plan kitchen and dining space at Arches House, featuring bespoke joinery, natural materials, and generous daylight.
The Design Concept: A Brick Pavilion in the Garden
Rather than treating the extension as an appendage, we conceived Arches House as a unified architectural composition - almost like a brick pavilion emerging into the garden.
The form is organised around:
- A central gabled volume
- Lower horizontal wings
- A rhythm of arched glazed openings
- Carefully stepped rooflines
This gives the rear elevation architectural clarity and permanence. The extension reads as a considered building in its own right, not a collection of add-ons.
For homeowners considering a home extension in West Hampstead, this approach shows how ambition and coherence can coexist.
Rear garden elevation of Arches House, showcasing the two-storey brick extension with arched steel-framed glazing in West Hampstead.
Navigating Planning in West Hampstead
A two-storey wraparound extension of this scale inevitably raised planning concerns.
These focused on:
- Overall massing
- Perceived bulk
- Neighbour impact
- Visual dominance
As experienced residential architects in Hampstead, we understand how critical early strategy and negotiation are to securing consent.
Rather than reducing the scheme to something “safe,” we developed detailed studies to demonstrate that:
- The massing was balanced
- Privacy and daylight were protected
- The quality of design justified the scale
After a rigorous planning process, approval was secured - proving that strong architecture can succeed when supported by evidence and persistence.
Golden hour view of Arches House, capturing the warmth and texture of the brick façade and arched openings.
Brick as the Primary Architectural Language
Brick is the defining material of Arches House.
It is not applied as decoration. It is used as structure, texture, and identity.
Key elements include:
- Expressive arched openings
- Deep window reveals
- Strong shadow lines
- Carefully detailed coursing
The masonry gives the building weight and longevity, while slim steel-framed glazing ensures openness and lightness.
This balance between solidity and transparency is central to our work as architects in West Hampstead.
Evening view of Arches House, with warm internal lighting illuminating the arched brick façade and garden-facing living spaces.
Light, Rhythm, and Connection to the Garden
The arched openings are fundamental to how the house functions.
At ground floor:
- Full-height arched doors connect living spaces directly to the garden
- Daylight penetrates deep into the plan
- Internal and external spaces merge
At upper levels:
- Tall windows frame views
- Reinforce vertical rhythm
- Bring balanced daylight
Despite the strength of the brickwork, the house feels open, generous, and connected to its surroundings.
Reconfiguring the House from Within
This project was as much about internal transformation as external form.
The existing house was fragmented and inefficient. We reconfigured all three floors.
Ground Floor
- Open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space
- Central island as social hub
- Strong garden connection
- Improved circulation
First Floor
- Rebalanced bedrooms
- Improved bathrooms
- Integrated storage
- Better daylight
Second Floor
- Rationalised roof space
- More usable rooms
- Improved thermal comfort
The result is a home that works holistically - not as a series of compromises.
Interior Architecture: Calm, Durable, and Timeless
Internally, the design avoids short-lived trends.
Instead, we focused on longevity through:
- Natural timber
- Stone surfaces
- Muted colour palettes
- Integrated joinery
This approach creates interiors that are warm, adaptable, and designed to age gracefully - a key concern for clients investing in long-term homes in Hampstead and West Hampstead.
Improving Performance and Comfort
While Arches House did not pursue full low-energy certification, meaningful performance upgrades were embedded throughout.
These include:
- Enhanced insulation
- High-performance glazing
- Improved airtightness
- Better daylighting
Together, they significantly improve thermal comfort and reduce heat loss compared to the original building.
As residential architects, we always aim to balance environmental responsibility with client priorities and budgets.
Living with the Garden
The rear elevation is conceived as a garden façade first and foremost.
A continuous terrace supports:
- Outdoor dining
- Informal seating
- Family gatherings
- Everyday spill-out living
Built-in elements and planting soften the architecture, creating a calm, semi-enclosed environment.
For many of our West Hampstead clients, this connection to outdoor space is central to modern family life.
Architecture That Changes Through the Day
Arches House is designed to be experienced over time.
By day:
- Brick reveals create depth and shadow
- Sunlight animates the arches
- Spaces feel grounded and open
By night:
- Warm lighting turns the house into a glowing lantern
- The masonry becomes tactile
- The garden feels calm and enclosed
This temporal quality gives the building richness and character.
Working with Architects in West Hampstead
As architects working extensively in West Hampstead and Hampstead, we understand the concerns many homeowners face:
- Will planning permission be granted?
- Will the design add long-term value?
- Will the budget be controlled?
- Will the process be stressful?
- Will the result feel truly personal?
Arches House reflects our approach: listening carefully, developing robust design strategies, managing risk, and guiding clients through complex projects with clarity and care.
Why Arches House Matters
This project represents many of the challenges faced by homeowners in North West London:
- Planning uncertainty
- Budget pressures
- Fear of generic outcomes
- Long-term investment decisions
It shows that with the right architect and process, these challenges can be navigated without sacrificing ambition.
In Summary
Project: Arches House
Location: West Hampstead, London
Completed: 2023
Scope: Two-storey side and rear extension with full internal reconfiguration
Arches House is:
- Contextual, not timid
- Expressive, not excessive
- Robust, not heavy
- Contemporary, not trend-led
It stands as an example of what thoughtful residential architecture can achieve in West Hampstead - combining craft, planning expertise, and long-term thinking to create a home built to last..
Building for the future
At RISE, we believe that extending and transforming a home isn’t just about adding space. It’s about creating lasting value - spaces that support family life, respect their context, and stand the test of time. It’s about thoughtful design, careful planning, and craftsmanship that goes beyond short-term trends.
Projects like Arches House show what’s possible when ambition is guided by experience and integrity - when architecture is shaped by both imagination and responsibility.
Thinking about extending or renovating your home in West Hampstead, Hampstead, or North West London?
Let’s talk about how your home could evolve - beautifully, responsibly, and with confidence.
→ Email us at architects@risedesignstudio.co.uk
→ Or call the studio on 020 3947 5886
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