Commissioned by a young couple, this refurbishment breathes new life into a traditional Victorian house that had long suffered from a lack of natural light. Treating light as both the problem and the solution, the design reimagines it as a tangible material, shaping the spatial experience.
Wandsworth House
Through the careful addition and subtraction of volumes, the project transforms the ground floor into a luminous, open-plan living area, punctuated by a transitional corridor that serves as the home’s connective tissue.
This corridor not only establishes a fluid relationship between the entrance, living space, and private rear garden but also discreetly houses a WC, utility amenities, and access to the cellar.
The living space is anchored by two sculptural, in-built benches that define the dining area, their forms both functional and artistic. These elements are finished in a warm, tactile material palette that extends throughout the home, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
An oak-clad staircase, fitted with motion-activated lighting, ascends to the upper levels, linking the ground floor to five bedrooms, each floor equipped with at least one bathroom.
The staircase’s warm materiality and thoughtful detailing create a seamless transition between the home’s public and private realms.
By clarifying the layout, the design frames moments of intimacy and significance, allowing everyday occasions to feel special. The result is a home that balances openness with privacy, light with shadow, and tradition with modernity—a thoughtful reimagining of Victorian living for contemporary life.
