Photos : French + Tye | Quotes : MW Architects
MW Architects have created a light filled family home within a secluded sunken garden in Maida Vale
The property was previously dark and poorly arranged , a common issue with many Lower Ground Floor properties in the area . The clients wanted to rearrange their flat to allow the family to grow and enjoy the location whilst also creating stronger connections with the garden . area which occupies the heart of the home and can extend outside onto the patio . The kitchen overlooks the whole property with views towards the front gate to see visitors arriving and also views of the back garden to watch the kids playing . The stepped ceilings give a sense of defined spaces for living , dining , and cooking within a looser open plan layout that can adapt over time to suit different occasions .
MW Architects realised there was an opportunity to extend the flat into the garden to the benefit of both the internal and external spaces . The flat has been reversed so that the living areas now address the garden directly whilst a series of light wells mean the bedrooms are not compromised by poor natural light . The previously overgrown garden has been given definition by the articulated form of the extension allowing the loss of area to be offset by better use of the available space .
By considering the key requirements of the communal areas of the family home three distinct spaces were defined . The ‘ living area ’ becomes a place for reading bed time stories and watching movies . The ceiling is lowered to create the intimate feeling of an inglenook and to avoid blocking light to the rear bedroom . The living room is a place to withdraw to from the grander dining
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