Project Headlines

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Project Status: Complete

Architectural Services: RIBA work stages 1-4

Development Area: 50sqm

Construction value: £300k

Client: Private homeowner

Location: Westcroft Square Conservation Area in Hammersmith

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Brief & Context

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We were asked to transform a dark, congested basement-kitchen into a bright hearth that operates at the centre of family life. That meant reorganising the lower two floors of this terraced Victorian townhouse. The design had to navigate a tight budget as well as the demands of a conservation area, flood risk zone, fire safety and the Party Wall Act.​​

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TJA’s Response

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We brought in a structural engineer and Party Wall surveyor and managed a snappy design process that was about opening up the lower ground floor with a series of steel frames and carefully judged demolition. Originally the lower ground floor was used for back-of-house purposes - kitchen, pantry, laundry and back yard. Our design makes this the hearth of the house by untangling the kitchen from the back-of-house functions and surrounding it with space for hosting and relaxing. Laundry, loo, storage and building services have been reorganised to one side, opening up the floor plan so the back yard and front lightwell can bring in more light.

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This opening-up includes the formation of a new garden room, featuring a glazed roof section and sliding-doors that open onto a renewed back terrace. The glazing was specified for high thermal performance and and detailed for reliability in the event of heavy rainfall and flooding. This works with a large gutter at the Party Wall and storm drains at door thresholds, all hidden behind minimalist detailing. Complex challenges have been resolved with a quiet architecture that allows the joinery and furniture to do the talking. 

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Fire separation between floors was reconfigured by enclosing the stair with a discrete door on the upper ground floor landing, which allowed the lower ground floor flight to be opened up. On the upper ground floor new joinery helped repurpose the front and back rooms into a library and study. Significant storage capacity was gained, including the creation of a lightwell store at the front, which keeps a low profile for the sake of the conservation area. Front facade decorations were restored.

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Testimonial

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"Tommy was quick to understand the brief and transform our vision to reality. He was able to seamlessly navigate the planning process and provide advice on all aspects of our project. He was also a pleasure to work with and we have no hesitation in recommending his services to others”​

 

​- Homeowner and project Client ​​