There are not many undiscovered properties ripe for redevelopment left in North Kensington in London, so the buyers of this house were very excited to uncover this gem in the beautiful Oxford Gardens conservation area. They had found a large family house, cluttered by furniture and partitions, lacking light and warmth, and feeling slightly musty. Their brief for Sophie Nguyen Architects was to clean up and clarify the existing space, re-find the dignity of the impressive interior volumes, and let the light in. Their house needed to accommodate their busy twenty first century lifestyle whilst reaching a challenging balancing act between classic style and functionality.
The clients wanted also an extension but were keen to avoid a standard response of a glass shoebox, attached like a limpet to the rear façade.
Sophie Nguyen Architects decided to create a new single storey building extending the whole width of the main building, to house four living spaces – kitchen, dining area, formal living room, and a home office.

In the first instance, the local building authorities did not consider the whole width concept as an acceptable project. But the studio worked through a number of options and carefully liaised with the local authorities to be fully compliant with the conservation area policies.

Planning permission was successfully granted without objection to the final full width scheme.

Inside, several partitions were removed to include the second reception room on the west side of the house, allowing the afternoon sun to be visible from the new dining area. The roof glazing between the new extension and the rear wall of the house allows light to stream deep into the original spaces. An ineffective landing space was removed and new taller doors were installed – simple devices that gave the interior space dignity and volume.

The Client’s comments:

I would highly recommend Sophie Nguyen.
She oversaw the extensive refurbishment of our house in W10. Sophie was absolutely fantastic at so many levels! Sophie is extremely committed, diligent and reliable. She managed to navigate our complex conundrum: high ambition, restricted budget and no time. And she did it with a constant smile, which was not a small challenge…We are absolutely delighted of our collaboration with Sophie and the results speak for themselves. She helped created an extraordinary space that is making us happy every day!

– Publication ‘Absolutely Notting Hill’ 2015
– Commended for The Sunday Times British Homes Awards 2015