proect, in addition to a general refurbishment throughout, were a new extension on the ground oor and the remoal of a wall upstairs to create a new bathroom. These developments also required a new heating system and waste disposal solutions.


Although the original kitchen was at the rear of the property overlooking the garden, there was an internal courtyard on one side and a small utility room proecting onto the terrace. Francois and Andrea decided to replace these mismatched elements with one single, open- plan space. This full-width extension includes an open-plan kitchen, sitting room and dining area, which naturally draws you through and out to the walled garden. “We spent a lot of time thinking about what we wanted,” says Francois. “We know each other’s tastes, and we have very clear ideas on design. fter their first architect, who was based in Andrea’s home country of Italy, could not commit to their proect in the way they expected, Andrea and Francois turned to


60 www.sbhonline.co.uk


London practice Atelier Ochre. “They really listened to us, understood our priorities and provided solutions,” says Francois. Atelier Ochre worked with the couple on the planning and building regulation permission, and there were additional constraints concerning the property’s position within a conservation area. “We spent a lot of time thinking about ow and materials and our architect was responsive to that,” says Francois. “Daryl was clever and innovative.” Andrea and Francois’ brief was all about their


desire to bring natural, soft light into the main areas of the house. They did this by introducing glazed, Crittal-style French doors and windows from the dining area into the garden. There are also two large steel framed skylights: one above the French doors and the second further away from the garden in the kitchen area. This lean-to skylight is above the original internal courtyard’s position, mirroring the historic roof pitch, and it now brings light into the heart of the ground oor.


jan/feb 2024


THREE TIPS


* “Don’t go crazy with a proect like this, but dont


be scared, either.


* Choose the right builders and do your research.


* Attend as many of the meetings as possible.”


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