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.

First images of Twickenham mews

We are pleased to share the first image of our latest project - the conversion of a coach house in Twickenham. Our architects have combined modern elements with the original character of the structure. This image showcases the perfect mix of old and new, creating a unique and inviting space. More updates on this project will follow soon!

The client initially approached Square One Architects back in 2015 with the exciting project of converting an existing coach house into a one-bedroom house. The plan was to divide the space into two levels, with the ground floor dedicated to a kitchen, living area, and bathroom. However, upon closer inspection, it became clear that the existing staircases were too steep and did not meet Building Regulations. This realisation led to a necessary redesign of the stairs and sparked a more in-depth discussion about the overall layout of the house.
As the design phases progressed, it became evident that placing the living area on the first floor would result in a more efficient use of space. With this new configuration in mind, the ground floor was transformed into a cozy bedroom, while the living areas were resituated on the first floor. This clever adjustment allowed for an abundance of natural light to flood the living spaces, thanks to the addition of skylights and the vaulted ceiling provided an airy and open atmosphere.
In addition to the extensive redesign plans, it was discovered that the existing roof was in an alarming state of disrepair, necessitating a full-scale reconstruction. During construction, an existing fireplace and chimney were untouched and restored. This preservation not only breathed new life into the design, but also infused the space with a touch of character and charm, creating an ambiance that is truly captivating.

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.

New project in Twickenham

Square One Architects have been appointed for the project of a conversion a small coach house to a residential home in the town center of Twickenham.

Our client, a small developer, looked for several firms of residential architects in Twickenham and chose Square One architects to carry out the project for this conversion.

The overall brief is simple; the client is looking to convert an existing coach house to a one-bedroom house organised on two levels.

The initial idea was to dedicate the ground floor level to kitchen and living space including a bathroom. In this configuration the first floor of the property would then be used as a bedroom with a Juliet balcony opening towards the small alleyway.

After an initial discussion, it was been decided to move the living area to the first floor due to the availability of natural daylight and better views.

The one double bedroom of the house will be located at ground floor level with direct access to a bathroom that partly used the space under the stairs.

Square One Architects’ design and careful lighting consideration will help to make the most out of a very limited amount of space!

Click here to see the project’s page and images.

A final image of the project

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.

From the spoon to the city

I decided to start this blog with a quote from Milanese architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. The slogan “dal cucchiaio alla città” (From the spoon to the city) explains the typical approach of the Italian architect designing a spoon, a chair, a lamp or a skyscraper.

I always found this approach very effective in its simplicity and I think it summarizes my philosophy of architecture. At the basis of any design there is creativity, no matter what the subject is. Creativity then needs to be supported by technical skills that allow ideas to turn into construction, it’s that simple!

The goal of this blog is to observe and comment on what’s happening around me in Hampton, The Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London with a particular focus on the South West part of the city including places like Teddington, Twickenham, Richmond, Kingston and Surrey. I’ll try to keep an eye on traditional and new architecture, urban design, village plans and so on. I’ll also propose solutions to any problem I’ll come across. I’ll use several tools to illustrate my point, in particular hand sketching, in order to observe and understand my surroundings in depth.

This blog will not only focus on the architecture of Hampton, it is also a way to showcase our work as an office and to discuss our projects in their context. We see design as an opportunity to enhance our clients’ lives, but also to enhance the look of the built environment.

Any comment is welcome as the end goal of this blog is to help reach a better understanding of our urban context, promote debate within the local community and ultimately explain how Square One Architects addresses each project, no matter how big or small. I hope you enjoy the blog and look forward to hearing from you all!

Iacopo