Parsifal Road

We were commissioned in 2008 to transform a large Victorian semi-detached property, which had been converted into flats in 1947, back into a family house with a small self-contained basement flat.

The work to the front elevation mainly involved thorough restoration and cleaning of the brickwork and terracotta detailing, and the insertion of some new windows at the lower levels.

At the rear, a dilapidated brick scullery and conservatory above were demolished to make way for a contemporary two storey extension. This is constructed of rendered masonry with structural glass 'boxes' in front and on top incorporating 'Sky Frame' sliding doors.

The extension, situated half a level beneath the main living floors, provides the addition space required for a large modern kitchen/dining area at the lower level and a 'media room' above. It also generally connects the house with the re-landscaped garden and terrace.

We worked closely with Mowlem & Co on the kitchen design and layout (see the article in the press section) which, as well as affording practical and efficient workspace, acts as a pivot between the traditional and modern parts of the house.

A discreet veneered panel at the far end of the space leads to the entrance hall, and a larder is located behind the curved veneered panel in the foreground. The circular glass floor panel accesses a subterranean wine cellar by the Spiral Cellar Co.

The same limestone flooring runs throughout the kitchen, dining area and terrace, thereby maximising the connection with the garden and increasing the illusion of space.

The linear shelving recess on the left hand side, with discreet cupboards below, provides interest, additional storage space, and leads the eye towards the garden.

One of our clients' main requirements was to improve the circulation between the kitchen/dining area and the living room, half a level above, whilst retaining some separation.

This has been achieved by installing a set of angled steps to the side of the semicircular veneered larder, which lead to glazed double doors opening-into the living room.

The original proportions of the two principal reception rooms have been restored, including details such as the coffered ceilings and fireplaces.

One of the real joys of this project was the restoration and refurbishment of the original staircase after many decades of subdivision.

This leads from the double-height entrance hall (with new mosaic flooring to match the original) to the top of the house, past a beautiful new stained glass window by Aldo Diana.

The media room and the adjacent roof terrace enjoy a close connection an excellent views of the rear garden. A plasma TV set and low-level walnut cabinetry are located on one side and blackout blinds are set into ceiling recesses.

Above the kitchen, one end of the media room extends into a glazed extension with Sky Frame sliding windows and doors and powder-coated aluminium parapets and fascias. A small roof terrace is located between the extension and the roof of the living room bay window.

The master suite occupies much of the first floor and enjoys views to the front and rear. Discreet flush white-painted wardrobe doors line the dressing area, enlivened by walnut-lined mirrored door openings to the landing, bathroom and principal wardrobes.

The master bathroom is located at the front of the house and is accessed from the dressing area via a sliding mirrored door with walnut reveals. The wall-mounted vanity unit is formed of a black granite counter and walnut cabinetry, with a matching medicine cabinet above.

One side of the master bathroom is lined with 'Strato' stone, which contrasts with the black limestone floor slabs and vanity counter. The steam shower and WC cubicles are recessed into this wall.

It was quite a feat for the builder, Len Developments, to correctly align the horizontal grain in the stone, The end result is certainly very dramatic.

This and the following sketches show the early concept designs. The finished product is largely the same, apart from the detailing of the media room extension.

First Floor plan..

Library..

Living Room..

Kitchen..

Staircase..

Media Room.