Heritage Meets Contemporary: A Rear Extension in Low Fell, Gateshead

Project type: Rear Extension

Design in detail

Set within one of Gateshead’s most historic streets, this end-of-terrace home has been transformed with a striking rear extension that balances contemporary living with the character of its 19th-century origins. Thoughtfully designed to complement the existing sandstone walls and the nearby Grade II listed former home of Sir Joseph Swan, the project creates a luminous, modern family space without compromising the property’s historic charm.

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Project Description:

Built before the 1890s, the property boasts thick sandstone walls and a rich architectural history. The new rear extension, spanning 65sqm, introduces a generous, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that redefines everyday family life. Designed with careful attention to proportion, light, and materiality, the extension delivers a sense of calm and spaciousness while respecting the home’s heritage context.

A contemporary flat roof and vertical charred larch cladding contrast elegantly with the deep tones of the sandstone, creating a striking dialogue between old and new. Expansive Atlas rooflights, paired with a series of smaller rooflights, flood the interior with natural light, bathing the space in warmth throughout the day.

The design also incorporates sensitive adaptations to the original footprint. The former scullery has been converted into a practical utility and downstairs WC, ensuring that the new living spaces remain uncluttered and fluid. The resulting home is a seamless combination of historic charm and modern elegance – a space that is both visually arresting and perfectly suited to contemporary family life.

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