Wandsworth Cottage is a transformed late 19th-century modest workers’ terrace in South London. A reconfigured triple-height stairwell, refined material palette and bespoke joinery have turned the once constrained house into a bright, tranquil and spatially generous contemporary home.
Sector
Homes
Location
Wandsworth, London
Date
2020-21
Client
Private
Area
102 m2
Status
Completed
A triple height stairwell forms the centre of the reconfigured house
Introducing Generosity
The house was in a tired state and there were structural issues that needed to be addressed, justifying the opportunity to fundamentally rearrange the layout and radically transform the existing. The 4-meter width of the cottage was the largest constraint and the existing stair position resulted in an unusable skinny second bedroom on the upper floor. This was overcome by designing a reconfigured triple height stairwell – our main architectural intervention. This has gained generosity on both floors and brings natural light into the centre of the house – a vital enhancement especially with the additional 2-storey rear extension.
Spatial Sequencing
With Wandsworth Cottage’s long thin open-plan ground floor it was essential to structure the space. This has been achieved by creating a series of centring gestures along the spatial sequence. To the front of the house there is the entrance study area which houses the retained Victorian fireplace. Next is the stair which conceals a small WC and is framed by a purple hued joinery piece.
Most central is the living area which is anchored by a modern brick and concrete fireplace and gains the natural light that cascades down the stairs. To the rear leading to the garden is the kitchen which is separated by a large rooflight and a step down onto concrete tiles. These spatial features strike a balance between connectivity and the forming of distinct spaces to inhabit.
Original fireplace in front room
The kitchen, open to the living area, is located in the rear extension and connects to the garden via large window doors
Imbued Softness
Our client wanted to create a tranquil but refined interior. This has been achieved by using a carefully selected material palette in which solid finishes are imbued with softness. The oak flooring and stair, bringing warmth to the space, are complimented by bare plastered walls and bespoke joinery in mellow tones. The use of off-white paint throughout softens the scheme further and creates an overall atmosphere that is hazy and laid-back.
The central living room with a new fireplace enjoys views to the garden
Raised planting beds structure the long garden and define the terrace area in front of the kitchen
Urban Kitchen Garden
Framed by black metal doors, beyond the house is the garden which is bookended by a small yoga studio. Designed by Adolfo Harrison the garden features a slab and gravel path winding around a series of intersecting raised beds full of herbs and vegetables. The wide bed edges double up as additional places to sit and enjoy the greenery. Fruit trees and elegant metal obelisks bring height into the relaxed meadow-style outdoor space and respond to the long and rectangular nature of the garden.
A new outbuilding at the end of the garden provides space for a yoga studio
“I had a very positive experience with Patalab. Their proposed design for the house, which involved opening up and extending out to bring in light, was the most creative proposal I received at the planning stage, and it has resulted in an airy, bright and well-integrated living space. The project management and oversight was extremely well organised and thanks to ongoing communication throughout the project, I felt confident in the process and timing, and I am delighted with the outcome.”
Client testimonial
Vistas between first and ground floor open the house vertically
Continuity of materials: Oak staircase connecting ground and first floor
The staircase handrail has been carved from solid Oak
The cabinetry has been detailed in a common language throughout the house
Bespoke Cabinetry
The joinery for Wandsworth Cottage was designed in collaboration with joiner Ben Fry from Bode Furniture. The pieces are situated throughout the house but have a common language in tone and the minimal tongue and groove detailing, inspired by the house’s history. The introduction of white-washed rough sawn oak in the kitchen cabinetry and pantry is a nod to the oak flooring elsewhere and adds complimentary texture into the scheme. The pantry appears like stand-alone piece but is an essential extension to the kitchen, functioning as the place to keep everyday items neatly tucked away.
Free standing kitchen pantry provides ample storage and additional worktop surface
Entrance to Wandsworth Cottage via small front garden
South London Projects
Wandsworth Cottage is one of the many schemes for private and commercial clients Patalab has delivered in South London. Further South London projects include Wimbledon Garden Room and a clinic for Richmond Pharmacology.
Slab and gravel path winding around a series of raised beds
