An unsympathetic 1960’s development led this Chelsea town house to be divided into 5 flats over as many floors. FDArchitecture were appointed by the property's international buyer, a keen photography collector, to stitch the whole property back together as a single family home with staff quarters and be their London base.
Design proposals met stiff opposition due in large to the tight urban context and saturation of similar works in the vicinity but won planning through careful management of the proposals. The design also required wholesale revision when the budget was substantially revised downwards before going to site, so the original design was equally changed. Despite this the core ideas remained intact and the Client's requirements for fluid and light spaces able to work in ways similar to a gallery won through. The design stacks private spaces above reception areas in a broadly traditional arrangement but the aesthetic and detail is contemporary. However, this was achieved not without reference and inclusion of existing and traditional detailing at those interfaces where a softening of the architectural language seemed most appropriate.
Client: Confidential Value: £395,000 Completion: June 2009