Cavaye Place, London

In order to transform a cramped Victorian mews house into an open and bright contemporary home, it was necessary to re-evaluate the rooms and spaces from first principles. Measuring less than 100 sqm, much of the three-storey house had been occupied by circulation, making it sub-divided and cramped. The basement floor had a low ceiling, with little daylight and poor connections to a small north-facing garden.

As well as lowering the basement floor, our proposal has opened up the ground floor so that daylight is now shared across the house. A dramatic double-height space surrounds the open stair, connecting to a large skylight that washes the whole interior with natural light. A calm palette of concrete, oak and polished plaster, together with minimal detailing, has transformed this modest house into a generous and spacious home.

We are now in the final stage of construction and expect to complete the work at the beginning of 2023