Restored Home in Wandsworth Conservation Area

The original house dates back to the late 1800’s and was subdivided into three flats in the 1980s. A large part of the original architectural detailing had been lost during the 1980’s conversion. The design approach was to enhance, reinstate and exhibit the lasting features of the property, adding new elements with a sensitive material palette. The brief was also to create a restorative, post Covid, family home, using natural materials, reducing energy consumption, and improving internal comfort. The existing building has been thoughtfully restored with new lime mortar repointing, replacement roof and reinstated internal architectural details. The existing thermal envelope has been upgraded to surpass current regulations. For the roof and walls, dense mineral wool insulation has been used to add thermal mass and counteract overheating in summer. Natural stack ventilation has been used within the stairway to allow secure purge ventilation in the evenings. The large open plan family space towards the rear makes the most of the sloping site and maximises ceiling heights. A local carpenter was used to craft the apothecary style kitchen, reaching up into the 3.6m ceiling space. Playful features can be found throughout the building, with a mezzanine floor, and secret access from the staircase, situated above the snug. A hidden bar has been installed within the kitchen, signified by a reinstated ‘Refreshments’ sign salvaged from Wimbledon tennis club.