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A sensitively detailed infill extension to the courtyard created a
new kitchen and family dining space and provides an important
link between the garage and mews rooms to the entertaining
spaces within the townhouse. Georgina Turvey, Principal of
PEEK Architecture + Design, says “Together with the client, we
made a conscious choice to put the kitchen at the centre of the
house on the ground floor, even though it is often perceived as
a more formal space.” A cantilevered, textured stone breakfast
area, sleek appliances and warm, dark wood combine in these
new areas in a style which is clearly contemporary. The location
of new kitchen and family dining rooms allowed exterior
terraces to be lifted up to make the most of the sun and light at
the higher level.
The central light well is a vertical
axis connecting the interior and
the exterior and giving glimpses of
green from the inside.
For the architect the greatest success of this project is the
central light well, which is enclosed by a green wall: a vertical
axis connecting all the interior and exterior spaces. This forms a
hidden oasis and glimpses of the greenery can be enjoyed from
almost every room. Turvey confirms that “Bringing light into this
new centre of the building was crucial.” Light is filtered into the
kitchen and family dining rooms through the glass roof lights
and exterior terraces, opening up the heart of the home. Glass
continues outside with an exterior glass bridge linking the formal
dining room to the kitchen, seeming to float, lightly touching the
old and the new and further integrating the spaces.
Top: The family dining room leads into the kitchen
Right: The green wall extends four storeys up through
the building