The Courtyard House
The Courtyard House is situated within a prominent
conservation area in South West London close to
the River Thames. The original house was architect
designed at the beginning of the 20th Century.
Fraher & Findlay revisited every aspect of the existing
building to propose the most efficient use of
space whilst creating a strong sense of place within
each of the floors. The client wished to fully
refurbish the building, adding a rear ground floor and
loft extension.
Before the completion of Hammersmith bridge which
led to major railway development, much of South West
London, was dominated by market gardening. Much of
the waterfront of the Thames in this area around 1820
was covered by market gardens. The orchards, gardens
and nurseries were famous for the exotic produce.
The design proposal introduces a ‘garden/ courtyard
and green space into the floor plan. This courtyard
brings natural light deeper into the plan creating
external environments within the living spaces. Natural
ventilation to the rear ground floor room of the original
building is maximised whilst providing visual interest
and maximizing external amenity space and the
connection between the garden and the building.
Wildflower roofs to the extension elevate the garden
space to the first floor bedrooms, enhancing the
gardens aspect, whilst providing a bio-diverse habitat.
The interior material use was influenced by the
owner’s Danish family background with a strong focus
on the use of natural timber finishes as well as clean
scandinavian lines. Brass detailing throughout gives a
reference to the original brass features of the arts and
crafts house.
To avoid a full width rear extension the design breaks
up the rear massing of the building, stepping the
extension down into the garden to soften the level
change that was problematic with the existing house
and its relationship with the garden. A garden facing
snug room sits nestled into the lower garden level,
whilst maintaining a visual and physical relationship with
the living spaces to the main house.
High level windows capture views up towards the green
roof as well as towards the garden, with a feature wrap
around rooflight to the kitchen, enhancing the feeling
of space.
conservation area in South West London close to
the River Thames. The original house was architect
designed at the beginning of the 20th Century.
Fraher & Findlay revisited every aspect of the existing
building to propose the most efficient use of
space whilst creating a strong sense of place within
each of the floors. The client wished to fully
refurbish the building, adding a rear ground floor and
loft extension.
Before the completion of Hammersmith bridge which
led to major railway development, much of South West
London, was dominated by market gardening. Much of
the waterfront of the Thames in this area around 1820
was covered by market gardens. The orchards, gardens
and nurseries were famous for the exotic produce.
The design proposal introduces a ‘garden/ courtyard
and green space into the floor plan. This courtyard
brings natural light deeper into the plan creating
external environments within the living spaces. Natural
ventilation to the rear ground floor room of the original
building is maximised whilst providing visual interest
and maximizing external amenity space and the
connection between the garden and the building.
Wildflower roofs to the extension elevate the garden
space to the first floor bedrooms, enhancing the
gardens aspect, whilst providing a bio-diverse habitat.
The interior material use was influenced by the
owner’s Danish family background with a strong focus
on the use of natural timber finishes as well as clean
scandinavian lines. Brass detailing throughout gives a
reference to the original brass features of the arts and
crafts house.
To avoid a full width rear extension the design breaks
up the rear massing of the building, stepping the
extension down into the garden to soften the level
change that was problematic with the existing house
and its relationship with the garden. A garden facing
snug room sits nestled into the lower garden level,
whilst maintaining a visual and physical relationship with
the living spaces to the main house.
High level windows capture views up towards the green
roof as well as towards the garden, with a feature wrap
around rooflight to the kitchen, enhancing the feeling
of space.
Project Year: 2018
