This 1830 Grade II listed Georgian house lies within the Bayswater Conservation Area of Westminster.
The brief required a palette of contrasting monochrome tones throughout the house. This was achieved with hand-applied finishes including black ebonised oak, black dyed leather, black patinated steelwork and raw lime plaster inspired by the client’s Japanese furniture.
A single glazed conservatory at first floor was replaced with a contemporary extension, to create a new oak-lined study. A new extension at basement level creates a guest suite.
The ground floor was reconfigured to provide a formal dining space with a frameless picture window overlooking the lower level rear garden. The kitchen was relocated to the front reception room, which enjoys generous ceiling heights and dual aspect sash windows.
The house was rewired with a sophisticated AV and IT system featuring integrated speakers and digital lighting controls to all rooms. A cinema room with bespoke joinery and furniture is located in the basement.
High-performance Aerogel insulation was used to line external walls, dramatically improving the thermal performance whilst preserving the internal and external decorative features.
A lightly honed black volcanic rock floor continues from the interior to the external light well and terraces above. The terraces and external stair are lined with blackened, pre-patinated steel balustrades and planters.
Fort Albion, designed in collaboration with the client’s four year old son, nestles within the climbing plants and features a drawbridge, arrow slots, crenels and a secret trap door. All external timber is Siberian Larch, which will silver over time.
Team:
Architect: Architecture For London
Structural engineer: Abstruct
Photography: Christian Brailey
