The brief from the client was concise, outlining a request for a more generous living space that would alleviate the restrictive, low floor-to-ceiling height in the existing basement. On the lower ground floor focus was placed on creating an open-plan kitchen-living space that would cater to the family’s day-to-day lifestyle and penchant for entertaining. A guest suite and family bathroom were added upstairs to accommodate visitors, all in-keeping with the traditional, period style of the semi-detached, three-bedroom property.

Undertaking extensive excavation work gained an extra 40 centimetres floor-to-ceiling height on the lower ground floor. Raising the ceilings from 2.35 metres to 2.7 metres, and extending into the side return, has opened the floorplan and let more flood light in. The step down from the entrance and the raised level in the garden guided the decision on how far to excavate, with emphasis on balancing the sightlines.

Landscape designer Miria Harris was involved from the early planning stages as the client wanted to tie the indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces together. Double-glazed fineline aluminium doors complement the proportions of the space and frame the garden view, looking out to the ascending zig-zag steps. The cobbles that form the patio meet the muted grey floor tiles which have a bespoke glaze by Claybrook Studio. A new terrace area, pergola, and shaded canopy, formed naturally by overhanging trees, create privacy. The bank of planting offers a softness to the deep landscaping.

The existing rear outrigger, which houses the family bathroom at ground floor level, projected down into the new dining room. To hide the step in the ceiling and deal with the reduced head height, we added a curve in the wall and tucked utility and larder storage into this space. Concealing the functional areas in this way allows for a seamless transition between the living, kitchen, and dining zones.

The kitchen was built around a palette of natural and high-spec materials, a theme that is continued throughout the house and very much led by the clients aesthetic. A weighty, solid black steel island by Sola Kitchens is offset by a muted backdrop of ClayLime plastered walls. The deep, forest green lounge area has been designed with soft furnishings and tactile textures for comfort, while the dining area is a formal entertaining space that opens out onto the garden. Ultra-gloss paint bounces light around the stairwell leading upstairs.

Matching cabinet fronts in the family bathroom and utility area have been fashioned out of timber floorboards. The fluted apron-front sinks are a tactile touch, with a practical zinc worktop chosen for the utility sink, and marble tops on the double sinks and bath. A bespoke reeded shower unit reflects soft light.

Overall, the timeless interior scheme envelops the owners’ evolving furniture, lighting, and art collection. An enduring gallery-like space, highlighting the beauty of what’s on show rather than solely placing focus on the structural work.

Contractor: Solid Crew Construction Ltd
Structural Engineer: Constant SD
Interior Design: Client / Neighbourhood Studio / Frank + Faber
Landscape: Miria Harris
Location: Walthamstow, London
Completed: December 2020

Photos by Building Narratives