Our proposal involved the reinstatement of an original townhouse (c.1830) which had been previously sub-divided by a separate lower ground floor flat.

The stair links three levels of accommodation but the clients sought a more direct, accessible connection between the rear garden and the revamped kitchen. This has been achieved by a new timber intervention which mediates between the solidity of the house and the garden. Although north-facing the rear garden catches the evening sun and the 3m long bench provides a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the garden aspect.

This timber-wrapped element has been designed to minimise its impact on the rear elevation and provide an integrated and compact solution to resolve the awkward geometry and variation in levels.

We were sensitive to the complexities of working with an historic B-listed property but the invitation to work on someone’s childhood home brings an additional responsibility to get things right. Fortunately, a constructive rapport between client and architect has produced a successful result that will be enjoyed, no doubt, by current (and future) generations.

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Awards

Wood Awards 2009 Small Project Winner