Located in Amersham, this remarkable house is one of Britain’s earliest examples of modern domestic architecture. Designed in 1929 by Amyas Connell of the practice Connell, Ward & Lucas, the property is a Grade II listed building of significant architectural importance. Characterised by its pioneering modernist form, clean lines, and minimalist detailing, the house holds a special place in British architectural history. Its listed status and heritage value required any intervention to be handled with exceptional care and sensitivity.
AG Architecture Studio, in collaboration with Maurice Phillips Partnership, was commissioned to design a single-storey extension that would complement and enhance the historic modernist dwelling. The brief involved adding a swimming pool, a new bedroom suite with en-suite facilities, and creating a clear yet sensitive connection to the existing listed building. Additionally, the project aimed for a sustainable and energy-efficient construction approach, while responding intelligently to the sloping site and existing landscaping.
The proposed extension introduces new leisure and living accommodation, including a swimming pool and an en-suite bedroom. These spaces are connected to the original house via a contemporary glazed link — a transparent “glass box” that creates a subtle architectural transition between the old and new. The building was designed with sustainability at its core, utilising Beco polystyrene block construction to achieve high levels of thermal performance and energy efficiency. A render finish was selected to harmonise with the existing house, ensuring visual continuity while maintaining a modern expression. A sedum roof terrace enhances biodiversity and integrates the extension into the surrounding landscape. The design carefully responds to the sloping topography, maximising usable space while mitigating impact on existing landscaping features. The massing and positioning of the extension ensure that the listed building’s prominence and character remain dominant.
The completed project delivers a refined and sustainable architectural addition to a historically significant modernist home. The extension enhances functionality through the introduction of high-quality leisure and bedroom accommodation, while maintaining a respectful dialogue with the original Grade II listed structure. By carefully balancing heritage sensitivity with contemporary design and sustainable construction, the scheme successfully enriches both the property and its setting, creating a striking yet complementary architectural composition.
