QA207
Harfield Gardens House
Project
QA207
Location
London
Category
Private Residential
Status
Completed
Originally built in 1979, this charming brick and timber mews house sits tucked away in an infill behind a Georgian terrace. Though planning permission had been granted for a second storey, the initial design’s low ground-floor ceilings and lack of upper-floor windows posed challenges. We successfully argued that raising the building’s height would create a more cohesive and environmentally sensitive design.
We tasked Quinn Architects with the challenge of modernising a unique mid-century home to meet the living and environmental needs of the 21st century, without compromising the integrity of the house’s original spirit. The resulting evolution builds upon, but does not compromise, the original Case Study ethos around which it was originally designed back in the 70s - that of open plan, simple volumes and panoramic windows overlooking exterior courtyard spaces.
Ruth, owner of Harfield Gardens House
With a focus on retrofitting and preserving modernist architecture, Quinn Architects ticked all the right boxes for Ruth, who sought to add a second storey and reform the interiors whilst keeping the spirit of the house intact.
The Modern House
Light wells and the use of open-plan living, kitchen and dining room spaces leads from one room to another, echoing a sense of spaciousness, all whilst paying homage to the feel of a modernist home of mid-century London. Inspired by the sensitive and impactful renovations of British architect John Winter, the principles of shared spaces, clean lines and geometric designs were carried through in our design of Harfield Gardens.
With our client’s support, we took a bold step and proposed a fully glazed scheme that raised the roof height, creating a new, dynamic relationship with the gardens. By designing a single volume, the building now benefits from rooms that borrow visual space from one another. A double-height space for the stair below a large roof window transforms previously dark and poorly ventilated areas into spaces filled with light and air. Credit should be given to Southwark Council for understanding and approving the benefits of our architectural design.
Influenced by English Modernists like John Winter, we wanted to create a building that truly represented the sum of its parts. The use of concrete, limed block-work, timber, steel and glass reflects our commitment to an elemental and straightforward construction method, executed by skilled local builders. Modernarc, our contractor, was an excellent partner in this hands-on approach.
While the footprint remains the same, our house has been transformed beautifully into a warm and welcoming home, dramatically opened in height, light, and with a seamless flow that works for us as a family
Client and owner of Harfield Gardens House
