In 2021 Square One Architects was commissioned to do a complete refurbishment as well as a rear extension to a recently purchased property in Teddington. The house, a 3-bed terraced house was received in a state of neglect and was spatially arranged in a manner that did not fit in with the new owner’s lifestyle.
The existing kitchen was located on the first floor facing the street and on the ground floor, a conservatory was used as the sitting area. The latter, differed stylistically from the main building appearing very much as a separate addition that would also prove to be problematic for frequent use in the colder months.
As our initial point of action, we redesigned the rear ground floor with the intention of relocating the kitchen and adding as well space for dining and sitting. The new addition was designed to be part of the main building both visually and as means of circulation and use. The redesigned space allowed for a comfortable kitchen with an island facing outwards to the garden and the trees beyond through wide windows and large bi-fold glass doors. Both the dining and sitting area enjoy the same views of the garden and plentiful of light coming down through two large skylights in the centre of the room. This open plan arrangement, features not only bold colours and modern materials to match the client’s taste, but also transforms into a very pleasant and comfortable space, perfect for the frequent use it is intended for.
On the upper floor, the existing kitchen was turned into a secondary sitting room that also had a dedicated space for an office. At the rear of the house the existing rooms were turned into a large room that could be used as either a den or a guest bedroom. Similarly, alterations were made to the rooms on the second floor to enlarge the available space and make better use of it to install new storage spaces.
On the two upper floors, spacious bathrooms, one with both a bathtub and a shower, were designed. Using light materials and contrasting colours these spaces express modern details and brightness in areas of the house that do not have access to windows. Various niches offer extra storage and become statement details through contrasting arrangements of the different tiles selected.
The original 3-bed house was turned into a spacious 4-bed house focusing on comfort and spaces to be enjoyed by the clients retaining throughout a minimal yet clear expression of the client’s distinct taste.
