The focus for this project was the refurbishment and reconfiguration of the ground floor together with a new side-return. Our primary challenge was to orient and organise the interior architecture to maximise sunlight during the course of the day.

Encouraged by our clients, we relocated the kitchen to the smallest room at the back of the original terraced house. Consequently, the kitchen gained a strategic position and is now able to serve both the garden living area at the rear and the breakfast room at the front of the property.

The living and dining area is set seven steps lower than the ground floor of the original house. In order to improve the connection and flow of the two levels, we designed a stair with a generous half landing – a space between. Just above this landing, we introduced a glazed cube for increased light and head-height. The stair is made of reclaimed oak, blackened steel and polished brass.

To improve the use and volume of light within the existing extension, we added a number of windows and skylights in addition to a side return and window seat, projecting into the garden with a direct view of a beautiful magnolia tree. In the late afternoon, there is a brief but beautiful period when light cuts across the house on the garden side.

Our clients asked for an eclectic approach to the interiors which incorporate bespoke joinery and a variety of materials including reclaimed flooring, concrete worktops, Moroccan cement tiles, coloured glass and steel windows. These work together with our clients’ unique collection of furniture, books and photographs to create a rich atmosphere of comfort and ease.