A total Refurbishment of an existing terrace house. Demolishing the rear of the terrance to make way for a new two storey extension, while extending to a third attic level over the existing residence to accomodate a new office. All these new levels tied together with a beautiful feature timber staircase.

Gregg Jowett
Photo of a small industrial mezzanine living room in Sydney with white walls, dark hardwood flooring and grey floors.

Reconfiguration of ground floor and large side extension.
This is an example of a medium sized modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Dublin with a built-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, laminate countertops, red splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring and no island.

Situated on the outskirts of Guildford, Surrey, with a direct view of the North Downs on the horizon, CASA BASSA is a small house built on the footprint of a previously nondescript garage. The design aims to redefine a typology by combining multiple dwelling types, creating a hybrid house that can adapt to various uses and layouts. Upon completing the refurbishment of their contemporary villa, which included grounds designed by garden designer Adolfo Harrison, the clients approached FPA for a creative solution to expand their space. They sought to accommodate friends more comfortably, allowing them to fully enjoy the house and gardens together. The initial investigation considered redesigning redundant rooms and converting attic spaces, but it was soon clear that a standalone building would offer a more memorable experience. As the design evolved, the new structure was envisioned as a versatile space, providing an escape for the teenage daughters, an occasional office, a gym, and guest accommodations. Loosely inspired by concepts derived from artificial intelligence—the owners’ field of expertise—the design draws from AI algorithms, translating code into binary patterns of 0s and 1s. This concept is reflected in the architectural language, where a vertical binary rhythm influences the selection of technical solutions, materials, and finishes. Elements such as timber goalpost frames, zinc cladding, charred timber, battens, and porcelain tiles are meticulously arranged in binary patterns of seam and field, solid and void, gap and slat, ridge and valley. The result is a dynamic and structured interplay of textures, celebrating the intersection of technology and craftsmanship. The entrance is subtly marked by a sculptural set of steep steps, which navigate the garden’s level changes. The doors and openings are cleverly disguised within the timber cladding. The steps, wall, and floor, creating a small open-air antechamber, are clad in green patterned tiles that establish a distinct connection to the landscape, setting the space apart from the building. The plinth of the original garage has been preserved, with its layout unchanged to reuse the existing footings. A mansard-style roof, higher than the original, has been added over the plinth to create an open space accessed via a double-height area. The dynamic roof shape responds to the site’s topography, resulting in elevations that vary significantly on each of the four sides. While the exterior of Casa Bassa is dark and monolithic, the interior presents a stark contrast—bright, monochrome, and flooded with natural light. The loft-like open space engages with the outdoors and the hills beyond through expansive picture windows, creating a seamless connection between interior and landscape. There is a deliberate sense of surprise for visitors, who enter through a hidden, small door and traverse a dynamic, funnel-like stairwell before emerging into the expansive interior—a progression of emotions from enclosure to openness. The use of simple, standalone volumes for the kitchen and storage (which also doubles as a bedhead) is cleverly located on the upper level, helping to break down the open space and effectively zone the area. The extensive use of timber and timber-based materials, the reuse of significant portions of the existing structure, including original steel girders, and the incorporation of sustainable materials paired with high-level insulation have all contributed to creating a building that prioritizes sustainability. It boasts a low carbon footprint, high embodied carbon efficiency, and a substantial percentage of recyclable components.

Situated on the outskirts of Guildford, Surrey, with a direct view of the North Downs on the horizon, CASA BASSA is a small house built on the footprint of a previously nondescript garage. The design aims to redefine a typology by combining multiple dwelling types, creating a hybrid house that can adapt to various uses and layouts. Upon completing the refurbishment of their contemporary villa, which included grounds designed by garden designer Adolfo Harrison, the clients approached FPA for a creative solution to expand their space. They sought to accommodate friends more comfortably, allowing them to fully enjoy the house and gardens together. The initial investigation considered redesigning redundant rooms and converting attic spaces, but it was soon clear that a standalone building would offer a more memorable experience. As the design evolved, the new structure was envisioned as a versatile space, providing an escape for the teenage daughters, an occasional office, a gym, and guest accommodations. Loosely inspired by concepts derived from artificial intelligence—the owners’ field of expertise—the design draws from AI algorithms, translating code into binary patterns of 0s and 1s. This concept is reflected in the architectural language, where a vertical binary rhythm influences the selection of technical solutions, materials, and finishes. Elements such as timber goalpost frames, zinc cladding, charred timber, battens, and porcelain tiles are meticulously arranged in binary patterns of seam and field, solid and void, gap and slat, ridge and valley. The result is a dynamic and structured interplay of textures, celebrating the intersection of technology and craftsmanship. The entrance is subtly marked by a sculptural set of steep steps, which navigate the garden’s level changes. The doors and openings are cleverly disguised within the timber cladding. The steps, wall, and floor, creating a small open-air antechamber, are clad in green patterned tiles that establish a distinct connection to the landscape, setting the space apart from the building. The plinth of the original garage has been preserved, with its layout unchanged to reuse the existing footings. A mansard-style roof, higher than the original, has been added over the plinth to create an open space accessed via a double-height area. The dynamic roof shape responds to the site’s topography, resulting in elevations that vary significantly on each of the four sides. While the exterior of Casa Bassa is dark and monolithic, the interior presents a stark contrast—bright, monochrome, and flooded with natural light. The loft-like open space engages with the outdoors and the hills beyond through expansive picture windows, creating a seamless connection between interior and landscape. There is a deliberate sense of surprise for visitors, who enter through a hidden, small door and traverse a dynamic, funnel-like stairwell before emerging into the expansive interior—a progression of emotions from enclosure to openness. The use of simple, standalone volumes for the kitchen and storage (which also doubles as a bedhead) is cleverly located on the upper level, helping to break down the open space and effectively zone the area. The extensive use of timber and timber-based materials, the reuse of significant portions of the existing structure, including original steel girders, and the incorporation of sustainable materials paired with high-level insulation have all contributed to creating a building that prioritizes sustainability. It boasts a low carbon footprint, high embodied carbon efficiency, and a substantial percentage of recyclable components.

Situated on the outskirts of Guildford, Surrey, with a direct view of the North Downs on the horizon, CASA BASSA is a small house built on the footprint of a previously nondescript garage. The design aims to redefine a typology by combining multiple dwelling types, creating a hybrid house that can adapt to various uses and layouts. Upon completing the refurbishment of their contemporary villa, which included grounds designed by garden designer Adolfo Harrison, the clients approached FPA for a creative solution to expand their space. They sought to accommodate friends more comfortably, allowing them to fully enjoy the house and gardens together. The initial investigation considered redesigning redundant rooms and converting attic spaces, but it was soon clear that a standalone building would offer a more memorable experience. As the design evolved, the new structure was envisioned as a versatile space, providing an escape for the teenage daughters, an occasional office, a gym, and guest accommodations. Loosely inspired by concepts derived from artificial intelligence—the owners’ field of expertise—the design draws from AI algorithms, translating code into binary patterns of 0s and 1s. This concept is reflected in the architectural language, where a vertical binary rhythm influences the selection of technical solutions, materials, and finishes. Elements such as timber goalpost frames, zinc cladding, charred timber, battens, and porcelain tiles are meticulously arranged in binary patterns of seam and field, solid and void, gap and slat, ridge and valley. The result is a dynamic and structured interplay of textures, celebrating the intersection of technology and craftsmanship. The entrance is subtly marked by a sculptural set of steep steps, which navigate the garden’s level changes. The doors and openings are cleverly disguised within the timber cladding. The steps, wall, and floor, creating a small open-air antechamber, are clad in green patterned tiles that establish a distinct connection to the landscape, setting the space apart from the building. The plinth of the original garage has been preserved, with its layout unchanged to reuse the existing footings. A mansard-style roof, higher than the original, has been added over the plinth to create an open space accessed via a double-height area. The dynamic roof shape responds to the site’s topography, resulting in elevations that vary significantly on each of the four sides. While the exterior of Casa Bassa is dark and monolithic, the interior presents a stark contrast—bright, monochrome, and flooded with natural light. The loft-like open space engages with the outdoors and the hills beyond through expansive picture windows, creating a seamless connection between interior and landscape. There is a deliberate sense of surprise for visitors, who enter through a hidden, small door and traverse a dynamic, funnel-like stairwell before emerging into the expansive interior—a progression of emotions from enclosure to openness. The use of simple, standalone volumes for the kitchen and storage (which also doubles as a bedhead) is cleverly located on the upper level, helping to break down the open space and effectively zone the area. The extensive use of timber and timber-based materials, the reuse of significant portions of the existing structure, including original steel girders, and the incorporation of sustainable materials paired with high-level insulation have all contributed to creating a building that prioritizes sustainability. It boasts a low carbon footprint, high embodied carbon efficiency, and a substantial percentage of recyclable components.

Situated on the outskirts of Guildford, Surrey, with a direct view of the North Downs on the horizon, CASA BASSA is a small house built on the footprint of a previously nondescript garage. The design aims to redefine a typology by combining multiple dwelling types, creating a hybrid house that can adapt to various uses and layouts. Upon completing the refurbishment of their contemporary villa, which included grounds designed by garden designer Adolfo Harrison, the clients approached FPA for a creative solution to expand their space. They sought to accommodate friends more comfortably, allowing them to fully enjoy the house and gardens together. The initial investigation considered redesigning redundant rooms and converting attic spaces, but it was soon clear that a standalone building would offer a more memorable experience. As the design evolved, the new structure was envisioned as a versatile space, providing an escape for the teenage daughters, an occasional office, a gym, and guest accommodations. Loosely inspired by concepts derived from artificial intelligence—the owners’ field of expertise—the design draws from AI algorithms, translating code into binary patterns of 0s and 1s. This concept is reflected in the architectural language, where a vertical binary rhythm influences the selection of technical solutions, materials, and finishes. Elements such as timber goalpost frames, zinc cladding, charred timber, battens, and porcelain tiles are meticulously arranged in binary patterns of seam and field, solid and void, gap and slat, ridge and valley. The result is a dynamic and structured interplay of textures, celebrating the intersection of technology and craftsmanship. The entrance is subtly marked by a sculptural set of steep steps, which navigate the garden’s level changes. The doors and openings are cleverly disguised within the timber cladding. The steps, wall, and floor, creating a small open-air antechamber, are clad in green patterned tiles that establish a distinct connection to the landscape, setting the space apart from the building. The plinth of the original garage has been preserved, with its layout unchanged to reuse the existing footings. A mansard-style roof, higher than the original, has been added over the plinth to create an open space accessed via a double-height area. The dynamic roof shape responds to the site’s topography, resulting in elevations that vary significantly on each of the four sides. While the exterior of Casa Bassa is dark and monolithic, the interior presents a stark contrast—bright, monochrome, and flooded with natural light. The loft-like open space engages with the outdoors and the hills beyond through expansive picture windows, creating a seamless connection between interior and landscape. There is a deliberate sense of surprise for visitors, who enter through a hidden, small door and traverse a dynamic, funnel-like stairwell before emerging into the expansive interior—a progression of emotions from enclosure to openness. The use of simple, standalone volumes for the kitchen and storage (which also doubles as a bedhead) is cleverly located on the upper level, helping to break down the open space and effectively zone the area. The extensive use of timber and timber-based materials, the reuse of significant portions of the existing structure, including original steel girders, and the incorporation of sustainable materials paired with high-level insulation have all contributed to creating a building that prioritizes sustainability. It boasts a low carbon footprint, high embodied carbon efficiency, and a substantial percentage of recyclable components.

Situated on the outskirts of Guildford, Surrey, with a direct view of the North Downs on the horizon, CASA BASSA is a small house built on the footprint of a previously nondescript garage. The design aims to redefine a typology by combining multiple dwelling types, creating a hybrid house that can adapt to various uses and layouts. Upon completing the refurbishment of their contemporary villa, which included grounds designed by garden designer Adolfo Harrison, the clients approached FPA for a creative solution to expand their space. They sought to accommodate friends more comfortably, allowing them to fully enjoy the house and gardens together. The initial investigation considered redesigning redundant rooms and converting attic spaces, but it was soon clear that a standalone building would offer a more memorable experience. As the design evolved, the new structure was envisioned as a versatile space, providing an escape for the teenage daughters, an occasional office, a gym, and guest accommodations. Loosely inspired by concepts derived from artificial intelligence—the owners’ field of expertise—the design draws from AI algorithms, translating code into binary patterns of 0s and 1s. This concept is reflected in the architectural language, where a vertical binary rhythm influences the selection of technical solutions, materials, and finishes. Elements such as timber goalpost frames, zinc cladding, charred timber, battens, and porcelain tiles are meticulously arranged in binary patterns of seam and field, solid and void, gap and slat, ridge and valley. The result is a dynamic and structured interplay of textures, celebrating the intersection of technology and craftsmanship. The entrance is subtly marked by a sculptural set of steep steps, which navigate the garden’s level changes. The doors and openings are cleverly disguised within the timber cladding. The steps, wall, and floor, creating a small open-air antechamber, are clad in green patterned tiles that establish a distinct connection to the landscape, setting the space apart from the building. The plinth of the original garage has been preserved, with its layout unchanged to reuse the existing footings. A mansard-style roof, higher than the original, has been added over the plinth to create an open space accessed via a double-height area. The dynamic roof shape responds to the site’s topography, resulting in elevations that vary significantly on each of the four sides. While the exterior of Casa Bassa is dark and monolithic, the interior presents a stark contrast—bright, monochrome, and flooded with natural light. The loft-like open space engages with the outdoors and the hills beyond through expansive picture windows, creating a seamless connection between interior and landscape. There is a deliberate sense of surprise for visitors, who enter through a hidden, small door and traverse a dynamic, funnel-like stairwell before emerging into the expansive interior—a progression of emotions from enclosure to openness. The use of simple, standalone volumes for the kitchen and storage (which also doubles as a bedhead) is cleverly located on the upper level, helping to break down the open space and effectively zone the area. The extensive use of timber and timber-based materials, the reuse of significant portions of the existing structure, including original steel girders, and the incorporation of sustainable materials paired with high-level insulation have all contributed to creating a building that prioritizes sustainability. It boasts a low carbon footprint, high embodied carbon efficiency, and a substantial percentage of recyclable components.

Joe Gardner
Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary enclosed games room in Manchester with a game room, grey walls and carpet.

To dwell and establish connections with a place is a basic human necessity often combined, amongst other things, with light and is performed in association with the elements that generate it, be they natural or artificial. And in the renovation of this purpose-built first floor flat in a quiet residential street in Kennington, the use of light in its varied forms is adopted to modulate the space and create a brand new dwelling, adapted to modern living standards. From the intentionally darkened entrance lobby at the lower ground floor – as seen in Mackintosh’s Hill House – one is led to a brighter upper level where the insertion of wide pivot doors creates a flexible open plan centred around an unfinished plaster box-like pod. Kitchen and living room are connected and use a stair balustrade that doubles as a bench seat; this allows the landing to become an extension of the kitchen/dining area - rather than being merely circulation space – with a new external view towards the landscaped terrace at the rear. The attic space is converted: a modernist black box, clad in natural slate tiles and with a wide sliding window, is inserted in the rear roof slope to accommodate a bedroom and a bathroom. A new relationship can eventually be established with all new and existing exterior openings, now visible from the former landing space: traditional timber sash windows are re-introduced to replace unsightly UPVC frames, and skylights are put in to direct one’s view outwards and upwards. photo: Gianluca Maver

Attic conversion stairs
This is an example of a small staircase in Edinburgh.

Le duplex du projet Nollet a charmé nos clients car, bien que désuet, il possédait un certain cachet. Ces derniers ont travaillé eux-mêmes sur le design pour révéler le potentiel de ce bien. Nos architectes les ont assistés sur tous les détails techniques de la conception et nos ouvriers ont exécuté les plans. Malheureusement le projet est arrivé au moment de la crise du Covid-19. Mais grâce au process et à l’expérience de notre agence, nous avons pu animer les discussions via WhatsApp pour finaliser la conception. Puis lors du chantier, nos clients recevaient tous les 2 jours des photos pour suivre son avancée. Nos experts ont mené à bien plusieurs menuiseries sur-mesure : telle l’imposante bibliothèque dans le salon, les longues étagères qui flottent au-dessus de la cuisine et les différents rangements que l’on trouve dans les niches et alcôves. Les parquets ont été poncés, les murs repeints à coup de Farrow and Ball sur des tons verts et bleus. Le vert décliné en Ash Grey, qu’on retrouve dans la salle de bain aux allures de vestiaire de gymnase, la chambre parentale ou le Studio Green qui revêt la bibliothèque. Pour le bleu, on citera pour exemple le Black Blue de la cuisine ou encore le bleu de Nimes pour la chambre d’enfant. Certaines cloisons ont été abattues comme celles qui enfermaient l’escalier. Ainsi cet escalier singulier semble être un élément à part entière de l’appartement, il peut recevoir toute la lumière et l’attention qu’il mérite !

Design ideas for a small modern wood l-shaped staircase in Perth with wood risers.

New floating timber staircase with skylight above. The new staircase leading to the new attic extension is carefully done to brighten up the previously dark hallway.

Design ideas for a small modern wood l-shaped staircase in Perth with wood risers.

Design ideas for a small modern wood l-shaped staircase in Perth with wood risers.

Inspiration for a small modern wood l-shaped staircase in Perth with wood risers.

Design ideas for a small contemporary mezzanine living room in Melbourne with a reading nook, grey walls and dark hardwood flooring.

Design ideas for a small modern wood l-shaped staircase in Perth with wood risers.