Picture Frame House
Architecture Small projects England, United Kingdom Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland
33 Images
Want to download these images?
Make sure you confirm usage rights with the BowerKit owner / contact person.
|
1. 4576 px 6457 px 15 MB A3 print |
|
|
2. 4552 px 6945 px 14 MB A3 print |
|
|
3. 4680 px 7020 px 15 MB A3 print |
|
|
4. 4580 px 6796 px 14 MB A3 print |
|
|
5. 6849 px 5913 px 14 MB A3 print |
|
|
6. 7965 px 6735 px 20 MB A3 print |
|
|
7. 6954 px 4566 px 12 MB A3 print |
|
|
8. 4642 px 6875 px 16 MB A3 print |
|
|
9. 4560 px 6772 px 13 MB A3 print |
|
|
10. 4630 px 6960 px 14 MB A3 print |
|
|
11. 6885 px 6650 px 20 MB A3 print |
|
|
12. 4680 px 6470 px 15 MB A3 print |
|
|
13. 5805 px 6449 px 15 MB A3 print |
|
|
14. 5891 px 6686 px 14 MB A3 print |
|
|
15. 6938 px 5816 px 17 MB A3 print |
|
|
16. 4680 px 6840 px 17 MB A3 print |
|
|
17. 4467 px 6475 px 16 MB A3 print |
|
|
18. 4560 px 6585 px 15 MB A3 print |
|
|
19. 4590 px 6740 px 16 MB A3 print |
|
|
20. 4598 px 6502 px 14 MB A3 print |
|
|
21. 6772 px 4552 px 11 MB A3 print |
|
|
22. 7020 px 4680 px 16 MB A3 print |
|
|
23. 1755 px 1170 px 979 KB Print - Low res only |
|
|
24. 1162 px 1663 px 1 MB Print - Low res only |
|
|
25. 1158 px 1656 px 1 MB Print - Low res only |
|
|
26. 1731 px 1431 px 1 MB Print - Low res only |
|
|
27. 1732 px 1487 px 1 MB Print - Low res only |
|
|
28. 1160 px 1692 px 1 MB Print - Low res only |
|
|
29. 1723 px 1519 px 2 MB Print - Low res only |
|
|
30. 1170 px 1755 px 2 MB Print - Low res only |
|
|
Image error |
31. 146 KB |
|
Image error |
32. 5 KB |
|
Image error |
33. 18 KB |
Description
Picture Frame House is a ground floor extension and full internal refurbishment of a terraced house in the Albert Gardens Conservation Area of Stepney Green, East London.
The house had not been updated since the 1970’s and required modernisation. It had also been rented out to students for over a decade so was in a state of disrepair. A side infill extension allowed for the internal rearrangement of the ground floor which created a larger flexible kitchen area.
The resulting spaces have been further enhanced through collaboration with a local picture framer who fabricated bespoke American black walnut and oak ‘picture frames’, which are used to frame different window-sized openings.
Rather than the typical fully open-plan ground floors seen in many contemporary properties, it was decided to add these elements to allow for the individual areas of kitchen, lounge and dining to be defined without merging into one another, and to allow for unexpected interactions to naturally occur.
Location:
London, England
Credits:
Stuart Archer + Sarah Braun (Architect + Interior Design)
Harrison Shortt (Structural Engineer)
Brider & Bull (Picture Framer)
David Barbour (Photography)
Scope of service:
Appointed from RIBA Stage 0-6 Concept to Completion
(including kitchen, bathroom and joinery design)
Questions and Answers
Can you let me know how the project came about in the first place?
We bought the property knowing that it required a lot of modernisation, it had been lived in by students for a number of years and hadn’t had a major refurbishment since the 1970’s. We spent a long time living in the property before undertaking any work so that we could envisage how we would like to live.
What was your design brief?
We wanted to redefine the main living spaces so that they were more suited to modern life - generous spaces that maximised exposure to natural light. We also wanted to explore not having a totally open plan space, by purposefully retaining certain walls and punching holes (‘picture frames’) we were able to subtly define key spaces whilst allowing interaction to occur. The dining room was a dark and unused space previously. It now has a view into the kitchen and garden beyond and is flooded with natural daylight throughout the day thanks to a large rooflight.
How did the design process evolve?
The design process evolved naturally whilst we lived in the property through discussions with my wife who is an artist.
Did you stay at home during the construction of the extension or did you decant?
We managed to stay at friends and family places for a few weeks throughout the worst of the demolition works, but spent most of the time living through the works.
How hands-on were you during the build?
Being an architect has made me appreciate the skill of (some) people on site gained through years of experience, so we left it to the professionals!
What do you feel was the biggest challenge?
Spending most of the time living through the works. I found living on site difficult, creature comforts seem to be more important as I get older.
Can you describe your thoughts on your new extension – how does it change the way that you use your home in general?
It has transformed the way we live and I’d recommend it to anyone (not that I’m biased). There is something incredibly satisfying about working with your partner to create something that is so personal, something that suits your way of life.
How do you use your new extension?
The house is now great for having people around due to the bigger kitchen and nicer dining room, also the extension has resulted in an improved interaction with the garden which we spend a lot more time in (weather dependant). I’m also glad to see that the picture frames (connecting hallway/lounge and kitchen/dining room) are used as much as they are.
Which aspect of your renovation do you feel works particularly well?
The kitchen is great, we wanted to create a modern kitchen overall but have elements that were not ‘built in’ including a Victorian workbench which acts as an island .There is a tendency now to steer away of the super clinical/minimal/developer kitchen and have a space that has individual items of furniture as well as the minimal aesethetic. Also, even though we have only extended by 10m2, the impact has been significant. The extra space has allowed us to be flexible in the future, as our needs change. If we wanted a large lounge/play space then the kitchen can be reconfigured to have a kitchen/dining.
Can you describe your favourite detail/experience of living in the house?
Cooking used to be a chore in our cramped galley kitchen, now its great because we have space to be more adventurous with our culinary creations! I also love the bathroom, the mirror that I designed with my picture framing friend I think is really successful and unique.
Did you enjoy the build process?
As an architect it would be awful if I said no! I love the whole process, from concept design to completion. Again, I didn’t love living in the house whilst it was being refurbished though.
Would you do a project like this again?
Yes definitely. In fact I run a small architectural practice with a colleague and it's what we do for a living!
Details
| Project size | 95 m2 |
| Building levels | 2 |
Project team
|
Archer + Braun Architecture | Architect |
| David Barbour | Photographer | |
| Harrison Shortt Structural Engineers Ltd | Structural Engineer |