Modernising a compact 1930s period house
Barnes, London | Shape + (Shape London Architects)
The brief
We had the pleasure of working with architect Neil Lynch and his client homeowner, Lisa Schiller of Schiller Beynon Interior Design. Here’s the scope of our work modernising a compact 1930s period house:
- Full house refurbishment, including complete reconfiguration of room sizes and relocation of internal walls to optimise space.
- A significant loft conversion (adding two bedrooms and a bathroom).
- Creation of an outdoor gym and office.
- Installation of new electrical and plumbing systems, air conditioning and underfloor heating.
- Complete redecoration.
The property
The property is a stunning 1930s mid-terrace home, now completely transformed. High ceilings (3.5 meters) and vast windows, give it a voluminous, elegant feel. The rooms are long and sophisticated, with standout features like the 3 meter Crittall doors, designed in one piece to open as a single unit.
We created a utility room by converting an old coal bunker located in a side passage alongside the house. Despite its narrow width of just 1600 mm, the room needed to accommodate a washing machine, tumble dryer and a host of control units.
The property’s connection to the garden was also enhanced by lowering the floor, eliminating the original six steps down to the garden. This change not only improved accessibility but also contributed to the overall ceiling height of the house, further adding to its spacious feel.
Bespoke features and natural materials
Modernising a compact 1930s period house is all about balance. The interior of the property is now a testament to the beauty of bespoke craftsmanship and natural materials embracing both the 1930s and 2024. The main bedroom features a custom panelled headboard with skilfully created grooves, a design echoed on the wardrobe doors. This attention to detail continues into the bathroom, where panelling adds a touch of elegance, and throughout the downstairs living areas.
The use of natural materials was a key element in this project. Having spent a considerable amount of time in Europe, Lisa was particularly invested in sourcing high-quality materials that she’d discovered on her travels. We worked closely with Artisans of Devizes to incorporate beautiful stonework throughout the home, complementing the lovely neutral colour palette chosen by the owners.
Challenges
Inherent in modernising a compact 1930s period house, is accommodating all the technology. Creating the new galley utility room presented a particular challenge in this project. As with all our projects, we have to plan the space for all the hardware.
Just 1600mm wide, this challenging space was reimagined as a functional galley-style utility room, housing a row of kitchen units, a washing machine and a tumble dryer. Despite its compactness, this utility room also accommodates all the control units for the house’s essential systems, including boiler pressurisation, underfloor heating manifolds, air conditioning, car charging kit and a large 3 phase electrical system.
The space constraints required meticulous planning and innovative solutions to ensure all systems were installed without compromising functionality or aesthetics.
Conclusion
This project is a prime example of how the combination of thoughtful design, skilled craftsmanship and effective collaboration can transform a property. By reimagining every inch of space and seamlessly integrating modern systems with bespoke features, we were able to deliver a home that is both beautiful and functional. The success of modernising a compact 1930s period house underscores the importance of careful planning and a strong partnership between the client, architect and Galower Build.
Lisa Schiller, the homeowner and interior designer, had this to say about the project:
"The Galower team, led by director Mick and Kieran (foreman), was an absolute pleasure to work with. We've collaborated before, and their care and commitment to the project were ever-present. They completely understood our vision but were also incredibly practical, working with our plans while anticipating challenges and offering sound solutions. Given the personal nature of this project (our own home!), Galower Build’s ability to go beyond our expectations made this project a really special success."