KSR and Clifton Interiors were commissioned by an ambitious couple to remodel and enhance space to their existing three-storey home in St John’s Wood Conservation Area. The clients wanted a fun and contemporary design whilst retaining some of characteristics of the original property, formerly part of a chapel. Arched doorways, Crittall doors and a kitchen extension were included to create a more spacious home for the young family. A diverse specification of materials coupled with an imaginative use of colour achieved a sophisticated, timeless, and fun space for the family to grow into.
What was the brief?
The brief was to transform the tired and dated house in St John’s Wood into a home suitable for a young family of five. The clients wanted the space to be stylish and contemporary for entertaining, yet fun and functional for everyday family life. Additional space was required for living and entertainment to accommodate the growing family. The house had been occupied by a couple and incorporated an artist’s studio, a conservatory, as well as several charming features reflecting its history.
How is the project unique?
The Victorian house was originally attached to a Georgian Wesleyan chapel and retains several features associated with this, including arched doorways and stone cast windows. The design carefully blends these historic elements with contemporary interventions to create a home that responds to the clients’ lifestyle
What were the key challenges?
The key challenge of the project was enhancing the space for the young family whilst retaining the sense of the history of the property. As much of the original ground floor was subdivided into separate rooms with many doors, it was carefully remodeled to achieve more space and better flow from entrance to the kitchen extension and the landscaped garden beyond. Pocket doors and glazed arched openings were included to create light filled rooms, whilst retaining separation and privacy between the different spaces when required.
Large, glazed sliding doors to the kitchen extension enables the space to flow easily between indoors and outdoors. A large skylight over the kitchen island provides enhanced natural light into the heart of the space. As part of the planning conditions a green roof was incorporated into the design where only wild-flowers were planted.
Another challenge involved the large gothic windows in the master bedroom, a legacy of the old chapel, which encroached the floor below. To achieve separation between the two floors whilst respecting the historic building fabric, the windows were remade in their original design and reinstalled at a more suitable level. To maximise space, the roof was sensitively remodeled and dormer windows added to create a large family entertainment and games area. This additional floor is light-filled and secluded; a spacious hide-away from the rest of the home
Some of the building features include a beautifully crafted central staircase which is made from natural European oak and complimented with a dark metal balustrade. Critall glass doors were installed in the new kitchen extension to maximise light and allow for easy access into the redesigned garden.
Arched metal doorways were installed to merge the ground floor rooms whilst retaining some of the original building’s features.
Bespoke joinery is seen throughout the home and is featured in the main living space, achieving a feature media unit which hides and exposes the television. Finally stone cast windows in the master bedroom were made to their original design to further reference the history of the home.
About
KSR is an award-winning design-led practice built on over forty years of relationships. We are architects and designers who specialise in the design and delivery of high-quality residential projects. Our diverse team works with the latest technology to create innovative solutions that are sustainable and of timeless beauty. Our cosmopolitan studios in London and China are keen to share their knowledge, skills and tools to create exceptional designs.
