Will Gamble Architects were appointed to refurbish and extend this Victorian terrace in southwest London for a young couple. The proposal draws inspiration from Japanese architecture, in particular the Japanese Tea House. Inspired by the Shoji Screen, a common characteristic of the traditional Japanese Tea House, the rear extension consists of full height glazed screens in a lattice arrangement formed of black slender steel framed glazing bars. The façade is stepped in plan to form a contemporary bay window that houses a window seat.
The larch boards to the window seat have been carefully burnt with a blowtorch - a traditional Japanese technique (developed in the 18th century) used to preserve the timber and give it a rich jet-black appearance with a crocodile skin texture. The floor to ceiling glass frames the view of the landscaped garden and the silver birch tree beyond. Like the Japanese lantern, the screens glow and illuminate the garden at night. Polished concrete floors were used throughout the ground floor extension to create a muted backdrop that allows the bespoke kitchen cabinetry to be celebrated. A large frameless rooflight casts light over the kitchen below.
The existing property was refurbished throughout including a “speakeasy” style bar hidden behind a pocket door and full height oak joinery. The bar itself is clad in green leather - above the bar is a frameless glass lantern which floods the space below and the adjoining reception room with natural light. The project was designed in collaboration with the interior design practice, Smith & Butler Design, and the garden was designed by Garden Club London.
