A ground floor Victorian flat in Kensington with compartmentalised dark interiors has been converted to create a light and open modern living space. Bringing in natural light and ventilation were a driving factor behind the design. A large roof-light opening over the dining table with deep timber fins were introduced, bringing a special quality of dappled daylight to the new dining and kitchen area while providing privacy from the numerous neighbouring surrounding windows as the flat is situated within a conservation area in a dense urban context.
A tight budget dictated that the material choices weren’t extravagant with a pared-back and simple approach. Dark metal was selected for doors, windows and ironmongery, copper for details and accents and birch-plywood for the main joinery.
By shifting the mass of the existing kitchen space towards the garden and creating a courtyard at the rear a space is carved out for a second bedroom, increasing the property value without adding a single square foot.
