London-based architect Jennifer Jammaers, in collaboration with interior architects Vivienne Beal and Alice B. Davies, redesign a family’s semi-detached Victorian house ‘Wandsworth Common’ in London, to exude a gallery-like aesthetic.
Architect Jennifer Jammaers and interior architects Vivienne Beal and Alice B. Davies were approached by a family living in London, who were looking to open up and expand their semi-detached home. The family asked the collaborators to create a distinguished British atmosphere, through a keen interest in natural materials and preserving heritage detail. Through the addition of a lower ground floor and rear extension, it was out with the small, segmented spaces and in with volume, depth and light. Cue: harmonious spaces for family living, that flow visually and spatially.
The designers were asked to create open spaces with strong architectural angles and high ceilings, certified for functional, everyday living. To highlight these central design details, they selected a pared-down palette, where soft grey micro-cement walls reflect the light with a gentle, calming tactile quality. Natural finishes, such as the band-sawn timber flooring, marble and brass fixtures soften the strong architectural features of the home, offering warmth, depth and texture.
The home begins at the basement level. Uncharacteristic to most basements, it is shaped by high ceilings and a gallery-like atmosphere. Secluded spaces on this level include a study, guest bedroom and private gym. The ground floor comprises of the main entrance, reception room and open kitchen and dining area.
A central Valchromat box encompasses the kitchen and reception storage, as well as a cloakroom. On the outside, the fluted black box houses custom bookshelves in the reception space and hides the fridge and pantry space in the kitchen, punctuating the muted interior palette.
On the first floor, architect Jennifer Jammaers has grouped the private areas; the master suite together with the two children’s bedrooms and a family bathroom. Above, an additional guest bedroom and ensuite make up the second floor.
The most defining architectural feature of the project is Jennifer Jammaers’s staircase – the central spine of the home. The staircase connects all four floors and floods each with sunlight from top to bottom, for a beautiful light and shadow play. The void between the lower and ground floor also acts as a lightwell, enhancing the spacious, bright and airy qualities of the open-plan ground and lower floor.
The kitchen asserts a distinctly European air. Designed to reflect the generous space, the large Valchromat kitchen islands are topped with Tundra Grey marble, complemented by the oil-rubbed bronze tapware and premium appliances.
Furniture designer Mia Larden was responsible for the custom pieces in the home. Bespoke furniture includes the wardrobe and vanity unit, a timber veneer and bronze tv unit, solid walnut-topped sideboard in the foyer and bespoke bunk-bed.
‘Wandsworth Common’ reveals an innovative and highly-tailored approach. The esteemed London collaborators have accomplished a family’s need for more space, and spaces that work harder to accommodate the day-to-day.
