A new open flame rotisserie provides a new focal point to the dining room.
A Grade II Listed South London townhouse has received a full refurbishment by forresterarchitects. An open flame rotisserie has replaced the traditional fire and hearth to the dining room. The townhouse refurbishment is located in the West Square Conservation Area, South East London, and is part of a broader conservation area refurbishment effort.
An extensive refurbishment to the West Square Conservation Area townhouse has retained its original charm and character. Located on the lower ground floor, the kitchen and dining space needs to make the most of the limited daylight to the front and rear. For many townhouses the existing kitchen is too small or inappropriately configured for modern living. Enhancing the new kitchen and dining space is the result of a considered material choice. Making the most of reflected light and the addition of interesting features contribute to an informal, and entertaining heart of the house.
This project highlights the importance of conservation area refurbishment in maintaining historical integrity while adapting to modern needs. The townhouse refurbishment adopts a simple monochromatic palette to enhance from the client’s extensive art collection. An antique parquet floor provides wonderful warmth to the entire lower ground floor kitchen and dining space. Industrial styled pendants offer distinctive lights to the counter top and dining table. A hand painted timber kitchen links both spaces. A hand finished bespoke concrete work surface provides a robust work surface and a physical connection to the open flame rotisserie which establish a new focal point to the dining space.
There is never enough storage space in a Victorian townhouse space. The formal hierarchy of the townhouse refurbishment has been improved to provide a dedicated cloakroom and study to the entrance reception. The bespoke joinery conceals the space for coats and shoes from the view of the entrance reception. Reclaimed Victorian tiles provide a robust yet colourful addition to the floor. To the top floor, the principle bedroom and ensuite are reconfigured to provide an open plan layout. An oversized timber slatted Oak sliding door provides a modest level of privacy between the two space allowing natural daylight to enter the house from both sides. The bedrooms to the upper floors remain largely intact but have been enhanced with the addition of a new guest shower room off the existing stairwell.
