CLAPHAM HOUSE

The scheme consists of a two storey glass addition to a Victorian double-fronted detached house situated in a south-west London conservation area. Refurbishment works were carried out throughout the property.

The existing kitchen and dining space was cramped with a poor connection to the garden and low ceilings, while an old balcony was in great need of restoration. An old conservatory was hanging from the rear façade blocking views to the original rear elevation of the property while providing inefficient living space. A self-contained flat at the lower ground level was in need of added living space.

Kaap Studio Architects was briefed to open up the upper ground floor, maintain the feel of the existing balcony, eliminate level difference on the upper ground floor level and connect it with the garden while providing extra space for living quarters on this level.

Key dividing walls were removed and the upper ground floor was brought to one uniform level. This added light, a sense of space and continuity and created a view to the garden. The stepped access to the garden was maintained but the previously solid staircase was replaced with a lighter metal staircase that unlocked views from the lower ground floor to the garden and created a feature for the property. The original balustrades were adapted and re-used.

Bringing light into the heart of the home led to the use of large glass doors and extensive rooflights, while the use of glass balustrades behind the glass doors preserved the feel of a balcony when doors are fully open.

A simple material palette of timber, metal and glass was chosen to sit alongside the original London stock brickwork, cornicing and marble fireplaces.