Loft extension in the Hampton Conservation Area: new video under construction

We recently visited our project for a loft extension in a Conservation Area. This video shows the transition between the new stair to landing to the new master bedroom and en-suite.

The client approached Square One Architects in 2018 with the specific brief for their three-bedroom semi-detached house in the Hampton Village Conservation Area.

The intention was to use the loft of their property as a new master bedroom with an en suite. The room would take advantage of some very interesting views to the rear towards the Hampton Water Works and unobstructed daylight.

Given the fact that the property was in a Conservation Area, we suggested the client to go through a pre-planning procedure in order to obtain an informal feedback from the Council.

This was very useful, and it helped inform a second iteration of the design that included a mansard roof and two smaller lead dormers that was deemed to be more in keeping with the existing property and the character of the Conservation Area in general.

The original stair of the property, connecting the ground floor and the first floor, was very steep and its head height was already quite limited. One of the challenges of this project was to design the new stair contacting the first floor and second floor without further compromising the already limited head height at first floor level. Thanks to a very precise 3D model we managed to foresee the exact dimensions of the new stair in relationship to the existing one and this helped tremendously our communication with building control and the stair’s supplier before and during construction stage.

This loft conversion video was taken around the end of the construction process. The room feels bright and spacious and take advantage of the generous amount of daylight from the two new windows to the rear and two large skylights installed at the front of the property. The new bathroom was installed within the eaves of the roof and it is naturally lit by one further skylight facing the front of the dwelling.

More images to follow soon.

East Molesey ground and first floor extension

Construction of a ground and first floor extension in East Molesey has started. In the picture the vaulted ceiling master bedroom.

A sketch showing the proposed rear elevation of the property

Our project for a ground and first floor rear extension in East Molesey is now under construction.

We started this project at the end of 2016. The client owned a detached house very close to the river Ember and Hampton Court in East Molesey. The house benefited from direct access to the river from the back of the house.

From the very beginning the client wanted to achieve a two stories rear extension to include a new bathroom, a new master bedroom and an en-suite bathroom. The project would also include the several alterations and improvements to the ground floor of the property to achieve a new larger open plan including kitchen dining area and living space.

The project included the demolition of the existing first floor bathroom of the house. This was a part of a non-original first floor extension that had been built with poor quality lightweight materials in the past. This extension would be replaced with a new one featuring a pitched roof and much more in keeping with the existing.

The new ground floor open plan would open towards the rear of the property through a large set of sliding doors. The ground floor new layout also included a guest WC.

The project’s scope also included the replacement of the existing roof that needed repair due to several leaks.

The sketch above shows the rear elevation of the property in relation to the neighbouring houses.

We look forward to seeing this project built on site and we will update this blog accordingly.

New Project in Hampton Hill

We are thrilled to announce that we have been recently appointed as the chosen architects to undertake the exciting task of redesigning the ground floor of a stunning 1930 single-family house nestled in the heart of Hampton Hill. This project includes the addition of a rear extension, which is set to transform the entire space. We are looking forward to sharing more images of this project with you in the near future. Stay tuned for updates!

The clients have expressed a strong desire for their kitchen and dining room to be seamlessly connected, resulting in a spacious open plan area that offers breath taking views of the garden. We thoroughly explored this concept and came up with a design solution that not only achieves their vision but also enhances the flow of natural light throughout the space. To further enhance their connection with the garden, we also discussed extending a portion of the ground floor towards the rear to create a stunning sunroom. This thoughtful addition not only provides a tranquil space for relaxation but also allows for the creation of a carefully positioned patio that maximizes the benefits of daylight throughout the day.

The new sunroom will become a cherished addition to the house, providing the clients with a unique and tranquil space to appreciate the beauty of their rear garden. Designed with careful consideration, this sunroom aims to seamlessly integrate the indoors and outdoors, creating an extraordinary connection between the building and the natural environment. This harmonious fusion will be achieved through the strategic incorporation of expansive windows, skylights, and doors that allow an abundance of natural light to flood the room and offer beautiful views of the surrounding greenery. The resulting space will be a sanctuary within the envelope of the property, enabling the clients to unwind and enjoy nature from the comfort of their own home.

As part of the project scope, our team will incorporate a newly designed guest WC. In addition to that, we will be introducing an extra utility area/pantry to provide ample storage and ensure convenience for the homeowners.

First floor side extension in Hampton

We're happy to announce that the tender package for a side extension of a house in Hampton has been completed by our team at Square One Architects. We've prepared a detailed package that includes all the necessary specifications and documents for the construction process. We can't wait to see the transformation this extension will bring to the house, both in terms of how it works and how it looks. Our dedicated team is excited to oversee and guide the construction to make sure it meets our client's vision and our high standards.

In 2015, the client came to Square One Architects with a plan to improve their first-floor bathroom. They were not happy with the current layout, which had been hastily added onto an existing garage. They wanted a more practical and attractive space, so they asked for our expertise. Our solution involves tearing down the side extension and building a new one. This new addition would include a luxury dressing room with built-in closets, as well as a well-planned bathroom. But the client's vision extended beyond the house itself. They also asked us to improve their backyard, making it more usable. Our plans include adding new paving stones to the patio behind the house, creating a modern outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment. The client also want to explore the possibility of removing the existing greenhouse, to free up more space in the garden. The final goal is to create a beautiful and functional home, both inside and outside.

Claremont House, Esher

Another sketch that dates to 2015 of Claremont House in Esher, Surrey.

I was fascinated by this building due to its relevance in architectural history and the illustrious figures that contributed to its design. It is also another example of architecture that is very familiar with my northern Italian roots, given the obvious Palladian style of the house.

The history of Claremont House in Esher

The mansion dates to the 18th century and it is a fine example of Palladian architecture. The building was designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown with the help of his future son-in-law Henry Holland, since Brown saw himself more of a landscape designer then an architect. A young John Soane also worked as a draughtsman in Harry Holland office at the time. The client commissioned the project is 1769.

Aside from the obvious influence of Andrea Palladio, the interiors of Claremont House have been inspired by the work of Robert Adam.

The construction of the property was completed in 1774 the same year when the owner and client Lord Clive died aged fourty-nine.

Claremont House is obviously one of the highlights of Surrey architecture and it's worth the visit. Today the property is owned by the national trust and it is a Grade 1 Listed Building.

Sir John Soane's Museum

A sketch from a recent visit to the Soane Museum. The handkerchief vault really feels like it is floating in light!

Sir John Soane’s museum is an unusual and incredibly interesting museum for anybody who is into neo-classical architecture. The museum is in Holborn, Central London and it is easily accessible by public transportations. Built in 1837, the building hasn’t essentially changed since its construction due to an Act of Parliament that stated the building should be maintained in its current condition, ironically to protect the building from Soane’s old son with whom the architect had has a long time feud.

Soane’s himself treated the building as an architectural laboratory where he tested his theories. One of the peculiarities of this building is that most of its natural daylight is drawn from the top, making it an absolute must for anyone who interested in daylight.

One of the most interesting aspects of daylight coming from the top (or technically speaking the “zenith”) is that it is very intense during overcast days. Anybody living in Britain knows that skies are usually very cloudy, and skylights tend to shine with this condition.

I spent some time in the museum on my own during my lighting studies at the UCL and I sketched the Breakfast Room whose most prominent feature is the famous “handkerchief vault”.

Soane’s canopy dome meant to inspire the feeling of a weightless ceiling, like an inflated handkerchief that seems to be floating over the room. The effect in real life is very dramatic.

The dome is shallow and develops from a squared base, a typical theme in Soane’s architecture.

The same design was later incorporated in other iconic designs such as Soane’s own tomb and the traditional red telephone box.

A virtual tour of the museum can be taken here.

St Mary's Parish Church, Hampton

St Mary's is the main church in Hampton, and it represents one of most significant and prominent local landmarks.

The present church was built in 1831 and it is a fine example of Gothic Revival. Its interiors were modified in the 1860’s and the church was refurbished at different stages including in 1920 where a war memorial screen to the fallen of world war I.

Previously on the same grounds stood another church built of flint and stone that was demolished in 1830. The old church had been extended through the centuries as it always happens with this type of historic buildings and featured a brick tower that was replaced in the XVII century.

Since the XV century the church featured a schoolroom for the Hampton School and today it runs a free school.

It was a pleasure to sketch the church next to the river on a nice sunny day. The setting is wonderful, with great views of the Thames and Garrick island. The church is located in the Hampton Village Conservation Area and it is a very prominent feature from many of our projects, in particular our historic house renovation in the heart of Hampton and our project for a deck on an island in the middle of the Thames right in front of the Church.

It is also located next to other significant Hampton landmarks like Garrick’s temple and the Hampton Library and Waterworks down the road towards Sunbury.

A walk through Hampton

I recently had a walk through Hampton and stopped here and there to sketch some its historic buildings. The first stop was Hampton Library, a very interesting Georgian building on Thames Street built by John Beard, celebrated actor and contemporary of David Garrick. Originally called Rose Hill, the building was erected in 1774, exactly 20 years after Garrick's villa. 

The Hampton library is lovely space and it serves the community very well. It also features a beautiful area for children that can approach reading at a very young age.

It also sits right in front of the district water works building another very interesting example of 19th century architecture in Hampton. The waterworks buildings dealt with a clean end of the process and this is one of the reasons why the western suburbs of London have been historically very desirable. The waterworks also mark the exit from Greater London and stand at the entrance to Hampton Village both by the Thames and from Sunbury Road. They are a wonderful local landmark with several buildings being listed.

It is interesting to note the close relationship that these two buildings have with the A308 road being the only separation.

Several historic buildings surrounding both the library and the waterworks relate somehow to small industrial and commercial activities with an access from Thames Street and alleyways leading to the river. The ferry boat house has been active since the 16th century and it is still running a regular ferry service today.

As an office we worked on a project for a historic property right at the entrance of the nearby Church Street. The building used to be used as a blacksmith’s workshop and it was then replaced in the 1930’s by a boatyard building that is still forming the main fabric of the house today. The boatyard was then turned into a recording studio in the 1970’s (some say that Pink Floyd played there!) and then converted into a rather eclectic house. I will post more details about the building and our project in another blog post soon.

Downstream we can also find Garrick’s Villa and its temple along with St. Mary’s church that I have mentioned in two other blog posts.

Iacopo

Garrick's Temple

I sketched this pavilion in 2015 while I was walking along the river. The building dates back to 1756 and it was built by the actor David Garrick in Hampton to honor William Shakespeare.

As an architect based in Hampton, I am particularly interested in the local Hampton architecture.

Garrick's temple to Shakespeare stands out as one of the finest examples of classical style architecture in the area and it always intrigued me as a very singular building.

The temple is located next to the River Thames, right in front of Garrick’s Villa.

The architect of the temple is unknown although there has been speculation that the temple could have been designed by Robert Adam. What we know for certain is that the temple is heavily inspired by the architecture of the Pantheon in Rome or the Chiesa della Gran Madre in Turin. I used to pass in front of this church during my years studying at the Politecnico di Torino and the architecture of the temple always felt very familiar.

The temple had been used by Garrick as a working space, it was supposed to be literally a garden office for his villa. I really understand Garrick’s need to separate between house and work which is something that I advocate very strongly! My office sits right behind my house so I can relate somehow (although my office is not as majestic as the temple!).

Today the building is Grade II Listed and it can be visited by the public. I feel very attached to this building due to its prominence in Hampton, but also the fact that it sits right in front of one of our projects located in an island in the middle of the river.

I feel very fortunate to live and work in this beautiful part of London and I strongly believe that the temple is one of the great highlights of this area.

Iacopo

PS: more information can be found here.