This project is an exercise in how to convert a dark, cramped mews house, into a bright and spacious home.
Initially our client commissioned us to improve the living space and its relationship with small, rear garden. But as the project progressed, we all realised that the whole property had enormous potential. The lower ground floor in particular had very little daylight, with a low ceiling and only a small window to a sunken garden, so initial discussions centred around transforming these spaces.
Our solution was to introduce a triple height lightwell at the rear of the property, connected by an open staircase. As well as creating a new sense of openness and generosity, removing section of floor meant that existing rear windows could serve more of the building, and by introducing a new rooflight we were able to bring daylight all the way down to the lower floor.
Other changes included lowering the lower ground floor by 50cm, adding a small glass extension to the rear, and stepping the small patio garden to encourage daylight to spill down into the kitchen.
A thoughtful and restrained material palette was also crucial to the success of the project. We embraced a simple selection of materials, developing designs and choosing products to encourage the sense of space and light. This included Venetian polished plaster on walls, bespoke Corian doors and joinery, expressed concrete in the lower ground spaces, white oiled treatments to oak floors and stair, and the general approach to minimise detail and clutter..
As part of the renovation, the properties thermal performance was upgraded, replacing single glazing and installing insulation throughout the home.
Photography by Nick Dearden
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