3.
COTTAGE, HAMPSTEAD
an unexpected double height entrance hall is intended to encourage the feeling of space
ABOUT
Natural light was the driving force on the completely rebuilt cottage, with only the facade retained in a contemporary redesign.
The desire to allow light to penetrate deep inside the building was a driving force in the resulting distinctive architectural language. Re-claimed brickwork was used in a contemporary manner with large glazed openings in the west facing façade. The use of oak continues the palette of English materials. A little central light-well creates a partly covered open central courtyard to the ground floor, which is used as a means of filtering natural light through into the floor plate below and allows a natural ventilation path. The project was approved because we engaged the neighbours and planning officers at an early stage and convinced them of the high design quality, despite being in a fiercely protected conservation area.