Total re-configuration of the lower ground and new extension, as well as overall refurbishment of a Victorian house by Victoria Park.
'Studio Ageli have created an amazing space in our Victorian house. We're very happy with the quality of the work and the thoughtful architectural design.
During the scoping phase we felt we were listened to by the team and our vision was incorporated into the overall design.
There was excellent communication during the build between all parties. We were kept up to speed with the progress and Studio Ageli were able to navigate some of the challenges by providing pragmatic solutions when required, keeping it stress free for us.
I thoroughly recommend Studio Ageli.'
—Client
An impressive 5-bedroom Victorian House, arranged over 3 floors, with a rear garden and front lightwell – which needed to be adapted to the family and their lifestyle. Originally, these properties had a smaller kitchen in the lower ground for staff to use rather than the family of the house to occupy, and are therefore unsuited to most modern patterns of living.
Studio Ageli re-imagined the lower ground, moving the stair and opening a lightwell in its place to the upper ground floor, as well as extending out and incorporating the under-utilised infill yard, making this part of a more generous, open kitchen, dining and living area with a strong connection to the garden. The family were unable to properly utilise most of this area before, so the effect of reconfiguring this space has been dramatic and positive: more light, openness, usability, and connectivity between areas in the busiest part of their home.
Works were completed within programme and budget and also included: a new laundry; newly installed bathrooms at upper ground and first floor; newly installed front lightwell; overhaul of all services in the house, such as converting central heating from gas to electric (and connecting the solar arrays on the roof); new compliant sash windows and shutters; and internal and external redecoration throughout.
The interior scheme in the lower ground is modern and elegant, with simple rubber floors in the kitchen, oak joinery and a subtle palette of off-whites that have been used consistently throughout the house. The spare bedroom has a new timber floor, some of the upper rooms have been carpeted, and external areas have been paved in natural limestone. Bathrooms are also limestone, with areas of coloured porcelain, reflecting the design strategy of calming soft interiors with a few surfaces of carefully selected colour to create contrast. Elsewhere, original features have been retained and highlighted with considered decoration choices.
Joinery was all bespoke and designed by Studio Ageli, this included: a painted oak kitchen with brushed stainless steel detailing makes subtle references to the house’s Victorian heritage, integrated larders and breakfast cupboard, as well as stair and balustrades. The spare bedroom also contains a new bespoke integrated wardrobe to match.