1930s semi-detached houses have long been admired for their large plots and decent sized rooms, but often they lack the personality and interesting features of older properties. We dramatically transformed this example through a complete internal refurbishment and methodical alterations. To heighten a sense of calm and spaciousness, a carefully chosen material palette flows throughout the interior of the house. The design was developed in lively conversations with our clients to meet their aspirations for modern living and working.

In the centre, a sculptural new staircase twists up through the house, its appearance based on paired-back elements of a traditional domestic stair. Light from above reflects off the white balustrades and filters down to the entrance hallway below. Moving through, facing the garden, smaller rooms have been neatly connected to create a grand space for cooking, dining and entertaining. The proportions of this volume were enhanced by lowering the ground floor level, which then flows outside onto a wide terrace with a reflecting pool. The upper floors are split into a dual-aspect studio space and a set of tailored bedroom suites with built-in joinery and luxurious bathrooms.