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The client had an existing collection of contemporary art
which is displayed to dramatic effect, but all the furniture
was chosen for this property. The selection of furniture
plays an essential role in the success of the scheme; the
room sizes are relatively modest, so furniture is lifted off
the floor for a lighter feel. The consistent style of furniture
is used as a link between the old and new parts of the
house, so although the pieces are contemporary, they are in
softer, more curvaceous shapes that echo the gentle curve
of the Georgian walls in the old house.
The Grade II listing meant that innovative solutions
to lighting were required which are both functional
and beautiful. The lighting was also used to bridge the
contemporary and historic within the property and so
the decorative lighting pieces, are a modern take on
more traditional forms. Simple lanterns light the halls and
landings with chandeliers in the main living spaces. These
sculptural pieces evoke craft traditions of the past with
their fine workmanship and use of hand crafted materials
and techniques. The more obviously new parts of the
building use more architectural lighting features, therefore
the basement cinema combines joinery lighting with a
decorative ceiling coffer.
“Modern technology should
whisper in an nineteenth century
townhouse” and so is concealed
within the decorative scheme
While there are many details the team is pleased to show,
there are some which remain hidden, as Staffan Tollgård
explains. “Whilst every contemporary family home must
meet the functional needs of the inhabitants, modern
technology is something that should whisper in a Grade II
listed Nineteenth Century townhouse. It should be heard but
not seen, unless it absolutely needs to be seen”. The joinery
in the first floor reception uses beautifully decorative metal
screens to conceal the TV until it is needed. When it is called
into use, automated doors slide open to reveal the screen.
Similarly, air conditioning equipment is concealed in joinery
and in the decorative wall panelling in the ground floor
reception room.
This was a complex client brief which called for an
impressive, functional home that was respectful of the
traditional architectural envelope. In blurring the lines
between old and new, this family home has proved to be
more than the sum of its parts.
Right: Dramatic art adds colour and drama to the basement family room
Below left: Contemporary American decorative lighting reflects the bamboo detail in the traditional de Gournay
hand painted wallpaper
Below right: decorative metal screens in the joinery hide the TV screen when not in use
Staffan Tollgård Design Group www.tollgard.co.uk
PEEK Architecture + Design www.peekarchitecture.co.uk
Photography: richard gooding photography www.richardgoodingphotography.co.uk