We were asked to reorganise and improve a Victorian town house in Clapham Old Town for a young family. The floor plan and internal arrangement is typical for a house of this type, however we had the opportunity to create a dramatic double height space within the ground floor plan by enclosing on the flank wall of the neighbouring property.

The introduction of an arched bathroom window and a new opening from the first floor study links otherwise isolated spaces across ground and first floors. We opted to expose the brickwork of the flank wall internally thus blurring the lines between interior and exterior space.

The combination of exposed brickwork glazed double height space and new openings into the void have the effect of creating an exterior streetscape within the family home.

These simple architectural devices have transformed an ordinary terraced house into something playful and unique. During this time of social isolation, we have ultimately provided a very happy place to be.