House in Barnes
The project involved extensive renovation of 3-storey Victorian house in London to suit modern family lifestyle including creation of new basement and ground floor extension. Embracing open-plan design with fusion of bespoke minimalist detailing while respecting the original architectural characters, the design carefully transformed the existing house into exciting contemporary space with high standard of craftmanship.
Victorian houses has distinctive features including high ceilings, large windows, ornate mouldings and fireplaces. Careful design strategies with objectives to create unique architecture with juxtaposition of existing built heritage with modern design elements, renovation works thought to transform the space while preserving the existing characteristic of the house: Existing deep floor plan with subdivided rooms were transformed into open-plan living space by strategically removing walls around the existing fireplace and chimneys to create unique focal point in the space. Introduction of new skylights above the ground floor extension area increased the natural daylight, making the space feel more open and inviting. New structural elements were carefully concealed to maintain the clean and minimalist aesthetics while preserving existing ornaments around selected areas to maintain the existing characteristic of the building.
To accentuate the high ceiling, semi-sunken basement space is introduced in the centre of the ground floor as special dining area. Carefully detailed new glass and metal staircase link the ground floor and newly created basement below including children's playroom and dedicated wine cellars. Bespoke kitchen and bathrooms amenity spaces with modern appliances with carefully selected stones and timber joinery works with high quality craftsmanship enhance the luxurious quality of the space.
Location: Barnes, London, UK / Client: Private / Service: Detail Design and Project Management (Yutaka Yano in association with Circus Architects) / Status: Completed / Year: 2003-2005 / Project Team: Yutaka Yano, Nigel Reynolds, Anette Kortenbach. Contractor; Delcon Construction.