jonathan burlow stacks white narrow bricks for a contemporary home in england

​set in a confined context in kent, england, jonathan burlow’s ‘over the edge’ project, exploits the potential of the site and existing residence in a furtive manner. the architect integrated the existing home’s sloping roof and large windows into the new extension, aligning itself within the context. the result, captured by simone bossi, is a sophisticated and minimal addition, bathed in a calming white. 

all images by simone bossi

jonathan burlow’s concept of the addition to the main house references the historic rural grain store buildings found in 18th century southern england. commonly, grain store buildings were built separated from the main house on saddle stones, lifting the granaries above the ground and protecting the stored grain from vermin and water seepage. 

the addition alludes to this type of construction, lifting the kitchen from the ground and placing the space on a concrete pedestal. in giving the appearance of separation, the extension is pushed away from the main house causing it to project over the edge of the concrete. the landscape falls away beneath the cantilevered edge, giving the impression of being lifted from the ground. 

the materiality of the extension remains contextual by using clay bricks yet distinguishes itself through its constructed appearance. the stacking of the bricks is inspired by the way white canvas bags full of grain would be organised in a stacked manner. the extension embodies this through its intricate brickwork composition. the interior space presents itself as a modern, blank space allowing the activities and furnishings to evolve and change through time and become an ever-changing curation of one’s habits and choices.

project info:

studio name: jonathan burlow
project name: over the edge
completion: december 2019
cost: private
additional GIA added: 35 sqm
total GIA: 97 sqm
client: private
location: hythe, kent, united kingdom
type: private residential
contractor: sprinks construction
structural engineer: neil smith associates
photographer: simone bossi
artist collaboration: butler archive

suppliers —
bricks: petersen tegl
specialist concrete: lazenby’s
glazing: maxlight
kitchen worktop: henderstone

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: cristina gomez | designboom