Christopher Mews

THE PROBLEM
There was little scope to extend and the 1970s front elevation looked dated and tired. Hemmed in by buildings on three sides, the entrance, stairwell and ground floor were dark plus the overall house layout was inefficient and uninspiring.

THE PUZZLE
The existing front elevation was improved by refining cladding, detailing and increasing the composition and quality of the glazing. A rear double height space was created and a high level glazed extension added to connect, illuminate and add drama to the family spaces. The 2nd and 3rd floors were reconfigured to provide additional bedroom and bathroom spaces. 

THE VERTICAL HOUSE
In such a vertical house, the stairwell could provide a lot of light and needed to be something special. A linear skylight was added at main roof level, and each flight was reoriented and set away from the side wall allowing light to penetrate full height. Internal atrium windows increase natural light to the rear rooms. The entrance experience and stairwell is now a four storey naturally lit canyon where the intensity and colour of natural light and direct sunlight change throughout the day.
 

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