OPS initially identified the potential to develop in the garden of an existing 1930s house (which OPS subsequently refurbished and remodelled). A scoping study was undertaken to consider the financial viability of various schemes, determining the build costs and end values in addition to demand for such accommodation in the area. OPS worked closely with the appointed architect throughout, and planning permission was granted for a pair of semi-detached houses. The existing pattern of semi-detached properties is thus continued, albeit following the curvature of the road. The design draws on features from neighbouring properties covering range of eras, from Victorian/Edwardian villas to 1930s semi-detached houses. The materials used have been carefully considered and include square Bath stone bay windows. The properties are timber framed above piled foundations and are highly energy efficient, exceeding current building regulations. In addition to insulation within the timber frame, an additional insulation board is fixed to the external face which in turn receives the self-coloured render coat. OPS maintained a prominent role within the project team during the build. OPS were solely responsible for the design and specification of the kitchens which feature handleless doors/drawers and Corian worksurfaces, and provided continued input into the landscape design, bathrooms and specification of floor coverings.

Stone staircase leading to basement. open treads portland limestone.

emphasis photography

Open riser cantilevering concrete staircase with structural glass central panel, glass floors and concealed lighting. Photography: Lyndon Douglas

L’ingresso in grigio acquisisce in eleganza e non perde in luminosità grazie anche alle grandi finestre della sala che vengono valorizzate dal passaggio cromatico che porta dal grigio al bianco, allargando otticamente lo spazio. Il grigio è anche perfetto come fondale scenico per i vecchi mobili vintage, li valorizza e li rende più contemporanei: infatti qui è perfetto per il vecchio comò e lo specchio dorato. Il rosa invece serve a dare un tocco di colore e per vivacizzare l’ambiente lo ritroviamo nelle tende, nei cuscini e nel pregiato tappeto. L’ingresso è una zona di passaggio molto usata anche per la presenza della scala che porta al secondo piano. Mancava di privacy, quindi abbiamo deciso di posizionare dei listelli in legno a tutta altezza che non oscurano ma creano un piacevole filtro. Sono stati fissati a soffitto e solo incollati a pavimento per non rovinare il parquet esistente. Come decor, due bei ritratti in bianco e nero dei membri più giovani della famiglia ;-)

Mr. Bharat Aggarwal

Quirky B Fair Isle Sutton carpet and runner designed by Margo Selby

Floating timber tread cantilever staircase set against a feature clad internal wall within a stunning contemporary modern new build house. The treads feature a recessed shadow gap at the junction of the wall and support toughened glass panel balustrade at the other end. Handrail to the staircase was formed using square section stainless steel set on proprietary stainless steel brackets. Upper level guardrail to the perimeter of the atrium void consisted of frameless toughened laminated glass panels set in a channel, recessed into the floor structure. Images used with permission courtesy of theCave architecture & design www.the-cave.co.uk

Photo: Chris Snook © 2015 Houzz