Blackheath House

Projects like this don’t come too often! This 1930s detached house of merit within the Westcombe Park Conservation Area near Blackheath was a true gem in need of a new lease of life, after being acquired by a couple of young professionals who struck us from the start for their sensitivity and passion for good design. After an initial feasibility study, which assessed the full property providing a number of creative solutions, we focused on the transformation of the whole of the ground floor to expand the existing living areas, extending a new suite of spaces towards the very generous garden at the back. We exploited the key character of the site – its specific topography with the rear garden sloping dramatically down from the front – and introduced carefully sited changes in level from the front spaces to the back. These were instrumental in articulating the new spatial configuration, ordering the functional brief, introducing unexpected visual connections (including a two sided fireplace!) and expansive vistas across the house and to the garden.
The disused garage at the side of the property was completely renovated to create a study/guest room, and the old kitchen space repurposed with the integration of a much needed laundry and shower room. The living room facing the front was refurbished and refinished to a striking new palette of bold colours and textures. The entrance lobby, one of the most stunning features of the house with timber panelling and an open staircase, suffered from severe cluttering and accretions that significantly affected its quality. A careful redesign, stripping back to the principal spatial components, complemented by simple finishes in muted colours and subtle lighting, reveals and celebrates the special character of this welcoming heart space in the house.