Twickenham

Setting: The layout of this project was one house that was to be divided into two flats, splitting the ground floor from the top floor. This was done so that the residents would be able to live within close vicinity to each other while retaining their own space. The location was not ideal due to it being near a rugby stadium as well as the main road. However, in spite of that, the potential for development was ideal as the house was detached with an orientation that allowed for expansion. The clients requested a Middlegate feel which meant that the firm had to come up with an architectural plan that allowed for a middle eastern aesthetic while being hand in hand with British architecture and regulations.

Construction: The living it was expanded on three sides and split horizontally to create sufficient divided space. The ground floor was tiled with underfloor heating as there was an aspiration to have a warm floor reflective of Mediterranean properties in the summer. In the flat above the client requested a steam room and relaxation area which could be accessed by a curved staircase with a glass bannister. These features come together in order to successfully create a sc3nic distraction, an oasis of sorts, from the less-than-ideal location of the house. A final feature that while successfully implemented, posed a challenge was that there was a want for open plan architecture. This feature did greatly enhance the space but presented a challenge from a health and safety perspective with regard to fire and building control.