The client wished to fully refurbish the building, adding a lower ground floor and loft extension. We revisited every aspect of the existing building to propose the most efficient use of space whilst creating a strong sense of place within each of the floors.

The location of the existing stairs presented challenges with the vertical route up through the building. The resultant lower ground floor level felt disconnected from the other floor levels. The brief gave us the opportunity to look at relocating the stair core to become a feature piece of furniture, that runs through the centre of the building. This enabled spaces to be opened within the plan to provide generous and dynamic living areas.

The staircase stretches across every level of the building, providing a dedicated circulation space, whilst maintaining views across each living area.

The existing coal vaults were opened up and the existing floor was lowered to provide a submerged shower room and utility space to service the house.