Cyprus Street

London

Year

Status

Area

Structural Engineer

Contractor

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Scope

2018-2019

Complete

80m2

Thomas Tong

Stefanache & Co 

AM Building Space Limited

Refurbishment and rear extension

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The conversion of this private residence was a contemporary response to its historical context. The mid-19th-century Victorian terraced house had a standard arrangement - front, back rooms, staircase and a rear extension outrigger. At the turn of this century, the previous owner removed the partitions to accommodate a modern open plan. Our proposed scheme with extension was an alternative. It presented one space, but in between, decorative/ functional architectural elements (columns, beams, cornices, shelves) marked past living traces and defined the new.

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As such, the project was about negotiating the interfaces. For example, a continuous skirting profile transformed between the kitchen and dining. The double-sided curtain brought variety into the library and living room. The large bookshelf became a cloak cupboard in the hall. Gradually, places started to have unique characters, and the contrast created a theatrical sensation - each room served as the other's backdrop.

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Two new conservatories pushed the building envelope into the garden. Constructed by structural glass, we created the experience of being in the garden all year round. These extensions enjoyed a curious view of an old gatehouse, added one more surprise.

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We aimed to look at the demand of generous space under another light. In this small building measured merely five-meter across, we created scenes and changes beyond its limit.

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