Basalt House | EBBA

Basalt House is a thoughtfully conceived renovation and extension of a Victorian terrace in North-West London, designed by EBBA Architects, a London-based studio known for their refined, materially driven architecture. With a strong focus on craft, context, and atmosphere, EBBA’s work often bridges the past and present in subtle, striking ways and Basalt House is a clear expression of that ethos.

The project blends historic character with contemporary interventions, revitalising the home through a bold rear extension in richly textured basalt stone and a loft conversion crowned by an organically shaped skylight. This new architectural language brings natural light deep into the home, with daylight cascading from the loft down through the core of the house, connecting all levels in a gentle, cohesive rhythm.

At the rear, the use of  basalt stone adds depth and texture, complemented by an exposed steel lintel that introduces a subtle industrial edge. The juxtaposition of the stone’s soft, earthy tones with the steel's clean, structural lines creates a calm, grounded atmosphere that feels contemporary yet in harmony with the building's Victorian origins.

The reimagined interior now includes two additional bedrooms within the loft and a generous kitchen situated in the new rear extension. A strong emphasis on sustainable materials has helped to imbue the home with a renewed sense of character. Original timber floorboards have been carefully restored, while new aluminium-framed doors at the rear improve airtightness. Every material choice has been thoughtfully considered for both its visual appeal and its environmental performance.

The kitchen, a focal point of the home, features a bespoke dark-stained ash island that functions as an informal dining space, oriented to look out onto the rear garden. The design plays with different textures and finishes to create interest - polished concrete floors meet the warmth of original timber, while crisp work surfaces sit alongside the tactile grain of stained wood, creating a sense of understated luxury and craft. 

Basalt House is an example of EBBA’s sensitive, materially rich approach to contemporary living within historic settings. Each detail, from the sculpted skylight to the careful layering of finishes, has been designed to enhance the quality of space and light, producing a home that is both characterful and quietly transformative.

Engineer: GEO top

Joinery: KMI London

Photograpy: Rikard Kahn