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1. Bespoke timber doors The glass doors throughout the building give the impression of an open plan layout. It also helps bring daylight into every room in the house. 7360 px 4912 px 6 MB A3 print |
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2. New Utility room The new Utility on the basement floor gives flexibility to the new living area. It has direct access to the garden thanks to the full height Crittal style doors. 6949 px 4638 px 8 MB A3 print |
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3. Exposed timber joists The timber theme throughout the house provides feeling of warmth and cosiness. It also matches very well with the minimal design of the staircase and balustrade. 7360 px 4912 px 9 MB A3 print |
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4. Arched window Revealing the original opening in the side of the house gave us the opportunity of additional feature Crittal style window. It makes the new activities room flooded with light. 4912 px 7360 px 10 MB A3 print |
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5. Hexagonal tiles The hexagonal tiles were imported from Spain. The combination of three warm colours gives the space dynamic feeling. 4912 px 7360 px 9 MB A3 print |
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6. Double Height Glazing Glazing runs full hight over two storeys, on both sides if the stair area, to provide cross views from all the living spaces. 4912 px 7360 px 10 MB A3 print |
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7. Triple height space The triple height space was designed in a way that from any point you have a view to all levels of the building, without loosing valuable living space. 4756 px 7127 px 9 MB A3 print |
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8. Staircase details. Special attention was dedicated to the details of the staircase. The different materials were selected in a way to provide clean and minimal aesthetic. 4759 px 7130 px 6 MB A3 print |
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9. Rear glazing A better connection to the garden was very important for our clients. The new Crittal style doors provide direct access through the basement floor. 6925 px 4622 px 7 MB A3 print |
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10. Crittal style doors The rear glazing was specifically designed with thin frame steel doors. They provide a minimal aesthetic and allow day light to reach further back into the house. 4748 px 7115 px 6 MB A3 print |
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11. White bricks The white bricks at the rear of the house give new texture to the existing façade. They make a clear distinction between old and new while preserving the image of the building. 4555 px 6825 px 9 MB A3 print |
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12. 7349 px 4905 px 8 MB A3 print |
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13. Two new windows The two new windows on the ground floor of the house are surrounded by an exaggerated concrete frame, unifying them into one volume. This design decision was a result of a planning restriction disallowing us to make one big opening as per our initial designs. 4912 px 7360 px 8 MB A3 print |
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14. Stepping into the garden The new paving allows for a smooth transition between the interior of the house and the garden. 4898 px 7339 px 8 MB A3 print |
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15. Rear elevation The house is connected to a wide rear garden. Opening the Crittal style doors allows for the garden to become part of the Basement level. 7360 px 4912 px 9 MB A3 print |
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16. 4903 px 7347 px 8 MB A3 print |
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17. Breakfast bar A new breakfast bar/ study was designed above the bridge connecting the two wings of the ground floor. Thanks to the two new windows it has direct view to the garden. 4701 px 7044 px 7 MB A3 print |
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18. 4814 px 7213 px 7 MB A3 print |
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19. 4626 px 6932 px 7 MB A3 print |
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20. 7337 px 4897 px 7 MB A3 print |
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21. 4169 px 6246 px 7 MB A3 print |
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22. 4912 px 7360 px 9 MB A3 print |
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23. 7360 px 4912 px 10 MB A3 print |
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24. Renovated staircase The existing staircase was renovated and painted in a single colour. 7360 px 4912 px 9 MB A3 print |
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25. Exposed steel The steel beam supporting the first floor is left exposed and painted in a colour matching the kitchen cabinets. 4911 px 7358 px 6 MB A3 print |
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26. Two tone kitchen The kitchen is two tone in different shades of green. 4670 px 6997 px 8 MB A3 print |
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27. 4183 px 6268 px 6 MB A3 print |
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28. 7121 px 4752 px 9 MB A3 print |
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29. 4145 px 6211 px 7 MB A3 print |
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30. 4912 px 7360 px 6 MB A3 print |
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31. 6895 px 4602 px 8 MB A3 print |
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32. 3686 px 5523 px 9 MB A3 print |
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33. Kitchen 7294 px 4868 px 8 MB A3 print |
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34. Renovated bedrooms The bedrooms on the first floor have all been renovated. 7269 px 4851 px 7 MB A3 print |
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35. Purple walls The walls and doors in the master bedroom are painted in a soft purple colour. 4705 px 7050 px 7 MB A3 print |
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36. Funnel rooflight The interesting geometry of the roof was specifically designed so that it can bring the maximum possible daylight into the triple height staircase. The rooflight on top makes the whole house feel brighter and warmer. 4666 px 6991 px 7 MB A3 print |
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37. Kitchen island The kitchen island has a timber worktop and a brass back. It was bespoke made by the joiner who also made the kitchen. 4829 px 7235 px 9 MB A3 print |
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38. Yellow windows The architrave of the window in the ground floor lounge is painted bright yellow. 7038 px 4697 px 7 MB A3 print |
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39. View at the new staircase The steps are covered with timber and the balustrade is bespoke specially designed for this staircase. 4912 px 7360 px 9 MB A3 print |
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40. Basement Plan Sketch 4548 px 3244 px 3 MB A4 print |
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41. First Floor Plan Sketch 4195 px 2926 px 3 MB A4 print |
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42. Rear Elevation Sketch 4347 px 3189 px 2 MB A4 print |
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43. Ground Floor Plan Sketch 4087 px 2931 px 2 MB A4 print |
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44. Kitchen Dining Perspective Sketch 6000 px 4500 px 979 KB A3 print |
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45. Utility Perspective Sketch 6000 px 4500 px 905 KB A3 print |
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46. Entrance Hall Perspective Sketch 6000 px 4500 px 874 KB A3 print |
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47. Section Sketch 4733 px 3502 px 3 MB A4 print |
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48. CAD Section 3309 px 2339 px 391 KB Print - Low res only |
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49. CAD Side Elevation 3160 px 2234 px 402 KB Print - Low res only |
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50. CAD Basement Plan 3309 px 2339 px 415 KB Print - Low res only |
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51. CAD First Floor Plan 3160 px 2234 px 266 KB Print - Low res only |
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52. CAD Ground Floor Plan 3160 px 2234 px 277 KB Print - Low res only |
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53. CAD Rear Elevation 3160 px 2234 px 432 KB Print - Low res only |
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54. Before Photo - Front Light well 3036 px 4048 px 4 MB A4 print |
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55. Before Photo - Front Light Well 3036 px 4048 px 4 MB A4 print |
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56. Before Photo 4048 px 3036 px 3 MB A4 print |
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57. Before Photo 3036 px 4048 px 3 MB A4 print |
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58. Before Photo - First floor Bedroom 4048 px 3036 px 3 MB A4 print |
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59. Before Photo - First floor hallway 3036 px 4048 px 3 MB A4 print |
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60. Before Photo - First floor hallway 3036 px 4048 px 3 MB A4 print |
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61. Before Photo - First Stairs 4048 px 3036 px 3 MB A4 print |
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62. Before Photo - First floor hallway 3036 px 4048 px 3 MB A4 print |
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63. Before Photo - First floor Bedroom 3036 px 4048 px 3 MB A4 print |
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64. Before Photo - First floor Bedroom 3036 px 4048 px 3 MB A4 print |
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65. Before Photo - First floor Bedroom 4048 px 3036 px 3 MB A4 print |
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66. Before Photo - First floor Bedroom 3036 px 4048 px 3 MB A4 print |
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67. Before Photo - Ground floor Kitchen 4048 px 3036 px 4 MB A4 print |
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68. Before Photo - Ground floor Dining 4048 px 3036 px 4 MB A4 print |
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69. Before Photo - Front view 3036 px 4048 px 5 MB A4 print |
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70. Before Photo - Ground floor Stairs 4048 px 3036 px 3 MB A4 print |
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71. Before Photo - Ground floor Dining 4048 px 3036 px 3 MB A4 print |
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72. Before Photo - Ground floor Lounge 4048 px 3036 px 3 MB A4 print |
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73. Before Photo - Rear View 3036 px 4048 px 3 MB A4 print |
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74. Before Photo - Ground floor Lounge 4048 px 3036 px 3 MB A4 print |
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75. Before Photo - Ground floor Hallway 3036 px 4048 px 3 MB A4 print |
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76. Before Photo - Ground floor Stairs 3036 px 4048 px 3 MB A4 print |
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77. Before Photo - Basement rear garden access 3036 px 4048 px 4 MB A4 print |
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78. Before Photo - Basement rear garden access 3036 px 4048 px 4 MB A4 print |
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79. Before Photo - Basement stairs 3036 px 4048 px 3 MB A4 print |
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80. Before Photo - Basement stairs 3036 px 4048 px 3 MB A4 print |
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81. Before Photo - Basement 3036 px 4048 px 4 MB A4 print |
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82. Before Photo - Basement 3036 px 4048 px 3 MB A4 print |
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83. Before Photo - Basement 3036 px 4048 px 4 MB A4 print |
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84. Before Photo - Basement 4048 px 3036 px 4 MB A4 print |
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85. Before Photo - Basement 3036 px 4048 px 4 MB A4 print |
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86. Before Photo - Basement 4048 px 3036 px 5 MB A4 print |
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87. Before Photo - Rear Garden 4048 px 3036 px 5 MB A4 print |
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88. Before Photo - Rear Garden 3036 px 4048 px 5 MB A4 print |
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89. Before Photo - Rear Garden 3036 px 4048 px 5 MB A4 print |
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90. Before Photo - Rear Garden 4048 px 3036 px 5 MB A4 print |
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91. Before Photo - Side Garden 3036 px 4048 px 5 MB A4 print |
These videos are available for media use.
Open House 2020 Video tour
Video created for the 2020 Open House online event. Walk through with the project architects.
https://youtu.be/pl9FAxX_UEkA new triple-height stairwell has been carved out of this period property, bringing light to all three floors. Creating views across the living space formed areas of refuge and surprise by making the most of the park front setting.
The ground floor of the property is split into two double-aspect wings, a lounge on one side and a kitchen diner on the other, which includes a bespoke and colourful double-galley kitchen. Both wings are separated from the stairwell by full height glass doors and connected by a new bridge that spans on one side of the triple height core.
A traditional staircase with a swept handrail leads up to the top floor with four bedrooms. The landing above the stair has been opened up like a light funnel into the existing rafters, which also acts as a stack ventilator for the whole property.
A new modern steel and timber stair dog-legs down to a previously dark and dingy basement, which has now been transformed by new glazed openings onto the garden, and internal glass walls that open up the floor full width. At one end, the full width vista is terminated by a beautiful arch window that has been re-instated on the side of the house.
The basement provides level access to the garden and houses an additional guest bedroom, bathroom, utility room and large family leisure space. The main triple-height stair core creates volume and makes the level feel anything but a basement.
Externally, the three new glazed openings onto the garden are designed with crittal style French doors grounding the house to the garden. At the upper floor, the two new sash windows provide views from the entrance and the connecting bridge, They have been surrounded with a large exaggerated pink concrete window reveal. At basement level, where new openings have been made, new white bricks have been used with deep set mortar joints, to create a sharpness to contrast with the existing brickwork.
The full property was reimagined, after laying vacant for five years and has been transformed without the need for extending. Where previously there were no views to the garden and no visual links between the three levels, there is now a dynamic home re-interpreted for family living and entertaining.
From an environmental perspective the perimeter walls have been lined with natural cork insulation, that allows the solid brick walls to breathe. The cork is also a natural sound insulant and helps absorb airborne toxins. In order to maintain the breathability of the cork wall, they have been finished with lime-based render and painted with clay based paints, which again are both toxin free.
Key products used:
White Bricks - ‘Lima’ from Vandersanden
Brick Pavers - ‘Bexhill Brick Pavers’ from Chelmer Valley
Glazing - Fabco
Hexagonal Floor Tiles - Huguet (huguetmallorca.com)
Hob - AEG 88cm Mixed Induction And Gas Hob
Sink - Copa-Design-20-36-kitchen-sink-undermount (discontinued)
Tap - Grohe Concetto Kitchen Sink Mixer with Pull Out Spray - SuperSteel
Fridge - LG 60cm Frost Free Fridge Freezer – STAINLESS STEEL
Lighting - Astro Trimless; Astro Parma Up/Down Wall Light Plaster; Flos mini glo-ball;
Paints - Earthborn
Basement waterproofing - Delta Membrane
Internal Glazing - Bespoke (Optimal Build)
Pink Concrete around window - Mortise
Joinery/Kitchen - Jai Brodie
Bathroom sink - Duravit Vero Washbowl 500mm
Bath - Aston Matthews astonian-roma-1720x775mm cast-iron-bath-on-feet
Wallpaper in bathroom - Little Greene ‘VINE – BLEU’
Roof Window - Velux electric
Lime render - Ty Mawr
Cork Insulation - Ty Mawr
What were the solutions?
Firstly to connect all three floors with views and natural light by opening up a void in the heart of the house and opening all the living spaces onto the void. The new triple-height stair void also helped connect the whole house to the garden. We also opened up the back of the basement with new glazing, to bring the garden into the home.
What building methods were used?
The basement was already existing but was damp, so the perimeter walls were underpinned and a new concrete slab was laid. The basement level was tanked with a drained basement membrane. New structural openings were created using steelwork. The existing walls of the property were all insulted with breathable Cork insulation and lime render and painted with Clay paints.
What was the brief?
To transform a vacant two-storey property with a damp and dark basement into a family home, spread over three floors.
What were the key challenges?
How to make the basement liveable and filled with light and how to connect the living spaces of the property to the garden.
Who are the clients and what's interesting about them?
A couple with two young daughters. They lived in an apartment nearby and saw the empty property was up for sale by the local council and that it had been empty for four years.
What are the sustainability features?
The entire property has been insulated with an internal lining of cork panels that have been finished with lime based render and painted with clay based paint. This has the benefit of being a completely breathable lining, allowing the existing solid brick walls of the old property to continue to breath. The lining is also completely toxic free and assists with absorbing airborne toxins in the air. The use of cork also has the added benefit of being sound insulating and created a soft atmosphere within the home.
Completion date | 2020 |
Building levels | 3 |
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George Bradley | Project Director |
Stephen Roe | Project Leader | |
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Bradley Van Der Straeten | Architects |