Hampton Hill extension: construction starts!

We have begun building an extension at a lovely house in Hampton Hill. The project includes renovating and improving the ground floor to make the house more comfortable and functional. We'll share exciting photos of the transformation soon!

The client approached us in 2016 with a specific vision in mind - a ground floor extension project to their semi-detached 3-bedroom property in the neighbourhood of Hampton Hill. With their main focus on enhancing the heart of their home, they expressed a desire for seamless connectivity between the kitchen and dining room, creating an open plan space that would effortlessly overlook their garden. To bring their dream to life, we proposed a complete overhaul of the existing kitchen, replacing it with a modern, functional design that would not only cater to their culinary needs but also serve as a focal point for social gatherings. In addition, the client sought to revamp the ground floor guest WC and garage, envisioning a transformation that would result in an additional utility area or pantry - a space designed to streamline daily household tasks.

The contractor has started demolishing and digging at the site. We're excited to see the progress of our project. Every step brings us closer to our architectural vision. We're closely monitoring every detail to make sure everything is done perfectly. The transformation ahead will be amazing!

Side extension in Hampton

We are happy to share the first picture of our new project for the side extension of a lovely semi-detached house in Hampton village. This extension has been carefully designed to match the existing architecture and add modern features. Our team is excited to bring this vision to reality, creating a space that fits in with the surroundings and makes the property more attractive. Keep an eye out for more updates on this exciting project!

The client first approached us in 2015 with a request to make some much-needed alterations to their semi-detached house. One of the main issues they faced was a poorly built extension, which they wanted to upgrade to create a new and improved en-suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe for their master bedroom. In addition to the extension, the project also involved a complete redesign of the rear garden. This redesign included the installation of elegant York paving stones in front of the extension, providing a visually appealing and functional outdoor space. As part of the garden overhaul, the removal of an existing greenhouse was also planned. The end result would be a more usable and attractive garden that will significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of the property.                                        

Grand Designs Live

Today is an exciting day for us at Square One Architects because we are going to Grand Designs Live at London's Excel. We will be showing our expertise in innovative designs and architectural solutions. We are excited to meet potential clients and have 25-minute introductory consultations at our 'Ask an Expert' stand. We will answer questions, offer insights, and make meaningful connections. This event is a chance for us to showcase our skills and understand what people want for their dream spaces. We are confident that this experience will be rewarding for both us and our clients as we guide them towards exceptional design.

At the Ask an Expert Zone, you can schedule personalized consultations with specialists in architecture, construction, finance, and interior design. Our goal is to provide tailored advice and guidance for your building and renovation plans. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you make informed decisions and turn your dreams into reality. Whether you need help with architectural design or financial matters, the experts at Grand Designs Live will support you every step of the way. Trust that your project will receive the attention it deserves with our wide range of expertise. Schedule your consultation today at the Ask an Expert Zone and begin your journey towards creating transformative and inspiring spaces.

To make it fair, we will use a first-come-first-serve system for appointments at Grand Designs Live. Our team is ready to help you and provide customized architectural solutions. Contact us now and make your appointment!

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.

ANNEXE in Hampton

We are excited to show you the first image of our new project: an annexe to a house in Hampton. This project demonstrates our commitment to creating spaces that flow well with the existing structure while meeting our clients' needs and desires. Stay tuned for more updates on this project as we work to create a masterpiece that will change how residents enjoy their home.

The client contacted Square One Architects back in 2016 with their vision of expanding their detached house. Their aim was to replace an antiquated garage structure with a brand new, modern annexe that would function as a standalone living space for their daughter. The proposed annexe would boast a self-contained flat, complete with a compact yet fully functional bathroom and kitchenette. Additionally, a distinctive mezzanine bed area would be incorporated to optimize space utilization. Of utmost importance to the client was ensuring that the annexe would be easily accessible from both the existing house and the front driveway, facilitating seamless entry and exit points.

In order to optimize the natural lighting in the newly designed space, our team took great care in strategically positioning multiple skylights. Specifically, we dedicated our attention to ensuring an even distribution of daylight throughout the area. To achieve this, we designed two skylights within the pitched roof section of the annexe, complemented by an additional two skylights integrated into the flat roof where the new structure seamlessly meets the existing roof. By carefully implementing this design approach, we will enhance the overall atmosphere and ambiance of the space while prioritizing the utilization of natural light sources.

We are excited to announce that we have reached an important milestone in our project journey. As we transition to the next phase of detailed design, our team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Our architects and designers are working to further refine the project, paying close attention to every detail. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing more images Stay tuned for these exciting updates as we continue to progress towards the realization this very special space.

Grand Designs Live show

Square One Architects will be present at Grand Designs Live show on Thursday 5 May and will offer consultations to potential clients at the Royal Institute of British Architects ‘Ask an Expert’ stand.

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For the second year in a row we participated to Grand Designs Live at the ExCel centre.

The event aims to be a showcase for homeowners that would like to extend and improve their properties and we felt it was a perfect match for an Architects’ practice like ours.

For the second year in a row we got invited by the Royal Institute of British Architects to provide advice at the Ask an Expert stand.

The idea behind Ask an Expert is to provide some free guidance for potential clients during a thirty minutes design consultation.

Obviously 30 minutes is not a long time, but we felt that we managed to provide some valuable advice to our clients whether this was regarding more procedural issues or specific design related problems.

It was a very fun day out and we received some very positive feedbacks from the potential clients that we met on the day.

We hope that our professional experience convinced clients of the importance of hiring a RIBA Architect for their project. We strongly believe that the choice of hiring an Architect is the first and one of the most important decisions that the potential client can make and in this sense we feel confident that the website Find an Architect by the Royal Institute of British Architects should be the starting point for most clients.

We also had the chance to walk around the ExCeL centre and have a chat with some suppliers. This type of events can be a great starting point for anyone who is thinking to improve or extend their property, especially at very early stages of the process.

We will attend the event again in the future and look forward to discussing design related issues with as many potential clients as possible.

For those who missed the event you can always take advantage of our free first design meeting that is offered here.

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