Wedge House
Location: Sevenoaks, Kent
Property type: Double-fronted period cottage
Scope: Ground floor remodelling and extension
Size / area: Approx. 80m² refurbishment and extension
Budget band: £250k
Completed: 2020
A sculptural “wedge” extension reorients the heart of the home to overlook the garden, reshaping light, space, and connection.
The clients — new owners of a substantial detached house — sought to modernise and unify their home for contemporary family life. Their ambitions included a more fluid ground-floor layout, a stronger connection to the garden, and improved sustainability through energy generation and efficiency.
Sharpe Architecture managed the project from an initial feasibility study right through to construction and completion. We developed multiple design options, led decision-making discussions, managed contractor relationships, and maintained the integrity of the design under changing conditions. Importantly, we also delivered a retrofit strategy to enhance the home’s environmental performance.
A restrained, wedge-shaped rear addition reorients the kitchen, offering views directly down the diagonal garden. Its position encloses and forms a calm terrace seating area. The cedar timber decking echoes the building cladding, utilising soft, natural materials and grounds the design in its context.
With a focus on sustainability, the extension has a lightweight timber frame, it is clad in timber and the thermal insulation was increased to be raised to modern standards. We installed a sedum green roof which encourages biodiversity and provides seasonal interest. Photovoltaic panels were installed to generate renewable energy, alongside a water conditioner to improve efficiency.
The existing garage was transformed into an independent annexe, accessed separately and designed for long-term flexibility (such as housing an elderly relative).
The transformation achieved a refined balance between architecture and nature. The relocated kitchen now provides views into the garden and light into the hallway, enhancing spatial flow and bringing the outdoors in. The pavilion-like extension feels sculptural yet understated, and the annexe conversion adds future flexibility without compromising the main house. On the environmental front, the green roof, improved insulation, and renewable energy system contribute to a more resilient, future-facing home.
“Very happy with the work of Sharpe Architecture. Frances saw our project through from concept, detailed design, construction to completion … Overall 10/10.”
