Returning Home to Clapham
Having worked abroad for 10 years our client wanted to return to their family home which had been rented, however their growing family needed more space and the house required refurbishment. The house was part of the development including the conversion of an original listed Georgian house by Mark Fairhurst Architects from a funeral directors’ offices into flats with four single aspect town houses located to the rear all set within the Clapham Road Conservation Area.
The existing home was 3 storeys with a windowless basement. The house has a unique external massing with full width bow windows defining each property. Distinct features carry into the interior of the home which are reflected in the curved walls to the stairway, and double height living and dining space and office which the client wished to retain. The challenge was to create alterations that complemented and integrated well with the existing features.
The solution was to create a lightwell to the front of the property that provided natural daylight and ventilation to a new master bedroom linked to a walk-in dressing area and ensuite bathroom. The utility room was relocated from the ground floor freeing up space for the new kitchen. The WC was relocated adjacent to the kitchen to allow for greater counter space, larger appliances, and a wine cooler. A breakfast bar was integrated into the layout to emphasis views into the garden directly from the kitchen.
A new glass bridge maintained direct access to a paved terrace which looks on to the communal courtyard with privacy screens to the neighboring properties. Below a new basement terrace incorporates planters and seating accessed from the bedroom.
At the first floor mezzanine level the lobby to the staircase was removed to the living area creating an open plan feel. The second floor bedrooms and bathrooms were refurbished along with the front balcony.
The family were delighted with their completed project welcoming them home to their much loved UK base forgoing the need to move house.