The Little Black Box is an extension project in Blackheath, Southeast London, transforming a mid-eighties semi-detached brick house on Heathway Road into a striking monolithic black box volume that seamlessly integrates with the existing structure and features a bespoke BBQ and decking area.

During the construction process, great care was taken in the selection of materials from reputable and sustainable sources. The construction method draws inspiration from brick toy blocks, utilizing Building Information Modelling (BIM) to design a system akin to a large jigsaw puzzle. All the self-insulated panels (SIP) and timber pieces were pre-cut during manufacturing, enabling a swift and straightforward assembly process, resulting in the completion of the extension in under 8 weeks. The use of self-insulated panels (SIP) was specifically chosen for their high energy efficiency, reduced wall thickness, and structural integrity.

The exterior features Siberian larch black cladding and a grey wood decking, forming a bold dark color palette that creates a striking contrast with the light-colored interior. Natural light floods the interior through skylights, creating a bright and inviting space. Bi-fold and sliding windows allow for a seamless connection between the interior and exterior areas on warmer days. The BBQ brickwork integrates harmoniously with the existing materiality of the house, establishing a subservient relationship while emphasizing the contrast with the black box extension.