snell david architects
Snell David Architects were appointed to
remodel and extend this three-storey semi-
detached villa in west London to suit the
needs of an expanding young family.
The property had been extended in the
1980's and 1990's, resulting in a very
compromised and awkward plan. Therefore,
part of the design brief was to improve the
circulation of the existing “maze-like” layout
as well as to modernise the internal spaces.
The kitchen, the centrepiece of the design,
was relocated to garden level to improve
access and views and allow daylight to
penetrate the main space.
An existing mezzanine floor above the
kitchen was removed resulting in a
spectacular double-height space: this
visually connects the kitchen to other
spaces to creating a clear ‘heart’ to the
home.
An existing window opening above the
rear extension was expanded to allow
additional light into the space behind.
40 - www.refurbandrestore.co.uk
The impressive double height space was
further accentuated by the use of a calming
sage green feature-wall, whilst modern
pendants span from ceiling to eye height to
accentuate the height of the space.
The original rear conservatory garden room
had proved extremely poor in conserving
heat in cold weather and keeping cool in
the summer months: this was removed and
replaced by a contemporary single storey
extension.
The new extension created enhanced views
and access to the garden via full-height
double glazed sliding doors with thin-profile
aluminium frames on two sides of the
extension and so resulted in a spacious,
modern dining area.
The flat roof to the extension was designed
with a ‘thin edge’ in order to increase a
sense of lightness and transparency –
contrasting with the solid existing Victorian
brick house. The polished concrete floor
runs flush through to the external terrace
area creating and added sense of space.