Architects: Granit Architects
Project: Pelham Road
Lead Architect: James Munro
Location: Pelham Road, Wimbledon, South West London
Photography: Courtesy of Granit
The Pelham Road project was the complete refurbishment and extension of a dilapidated semi-detached house in South London. The clients wanted a bespoke four bedroom house and had some specific requirements, such as extending the ground floor to create a large and airy entertaining space. It was also important to make the most of the garden with a clear connection between indoor and outdoor.
“The house was in a terrible condition when I first visited: it had been vacant for two years, there was no central heating, and it probably hadn’t been touched since it was built,” says architect James Munro, describing the time he accompanied the soon-to-be owners on a viewing. What this Edwardian property in Wimbledon did have, however, was potential.
The resulting scheme has seen the existing floorplan completely overhauled, with two side extensions added to provide space for a generous open plan kitchen and dining area and separate utility and WC on the ground floor, and a loft conversion offering more bedroom accommodation. “There were few internal walls left during the project,” says James.
We utilize extensive use of glazing to the North facing rear of the house, building 2 side extensions, to create one open plan space. Externally the rear of the house was rendered to unify the various old and new elements of the house.
At first floor level, we created a master ensuite and reconfigured the layout to create 2 further bedrooms, a family bathroom, then new access to an extended loft. It was important for the design to take into account the clients collection of art and antiquities from around the world too.
The staircase has been placed to the side, allowing views of the garden to be glimpsed upon entering the property. Wide openings between the front living area, generous study area (below) and kitchen (bottom) mean the ground floor spaces flow seamlessly into one another.
