28/08/2026
A look back at an earlier design scheme for a Hampstead project, exploring a sensitive extension and reorganisation of the existing house.
The proposal sought to balance the character of the original fabric with a more contemporary material palette, allowing elements such as the exposed steelwork, brickwork and concrete to become part of the homes language.
These internal axonometric studies illustrate the core ideas behind the scheme…
Extending the existing basement footprint created a generous, multifunctional space. Materiality was central to the character of the space. Exposed steelwork and brickwork created a raw, industrial feel which was balanced by the softer, light clay plaster stair plane. The contrast between these languages brings warmth and texture to an otherwise robust basement environment.
The existing plant room was retained in its original location, while introducing a light well to the front to bring natural light into the lower level. This contributed to the wellness area we had planned out for down here incorporating a sauna, steam room and gym.
The lower ground floor was centred around a large sitting room, with a more practical bedroom and boot room positioned towards the front of the house, accessed directly from street level. To the rear, the lounge opened up on to the garden through large areas of glazing, with a bespoke reading pod projecting into the space, blurring the boundary between inside and outside. A sliding screen allowed the pod to be opened up to the garden or closed off to create a more intimate retreat.
The rear lounge was intended as a more tranquil space within the house, with the clay plastered rear wall sitting against the contemporary timber staircase and glass screen.
The ground floor was conceived primarily as the main entertainment level, centred around the kitchen and dining spaces. With the morning sun coming from the front of the house, we positioned a more private breakfast area here, providing a more practical space for preparation and everyday use.
The breakfast/cooking area could be separate from the main
