The property , which had been converted into flats, required a  complete re-ordering to make it into a workable family home. Adams and Collingwood were consulted by the client prior to purchase and at that early stage came up with a sketch idea to unlock the impossible ground floor: A change of level separated the  existing small narrow kitchen from the adjacent rooms,  but a general rethink of the floor and ceiling levels in the rear part of the house allowed the spaces to flow together to form a comfortable family kitchen opening off a well proportioned  dining area.

Folding sliding doors were designed to allow this zone of the house to be fully or partly open from the entrance hall, or completely enclosed, as desired. Fire curtains and a localised  sprinkler system maintain fire safety when the open plan configuration is in use.

A full basement was excavated, adding approximately 25% to the area of the house, with a minimum of  disruption to neighbours thanks to the use of special sound proofing of equipment and stringent site cleanliness procedures.

The layout of the house provides: a 2nd  floor for children bedrooms and bathroom, a 1st floor dedicated to the master suite, with custom designed dressing room and storage fitments, the main raised entrance floor with kitchen, dining and sitting rooms. Below this the lower ground floor has a  secondary entrance with ample storage for children’s bikes, coats etc,   a  guest suite, and a light and airy family room opening onto the attractive garden.  The new sub basement floor provides ample storage, service and  utility spaces as well as a fully equipped gym.

The house is now perfectly suited to a young family but has been designed with the  flexibility to accommodate changing needs as the children grow. Every detail was developed in close cooperation with the client whose  charming personal style and character are completely expressed in this individual and characterful house.