This project involved the refurbishment of a tired and dilapidated railway cottage into a contemporary, light-filled home for a young family and their cat. Located in the Harmood Street conservation area in Chalk Farm, Powlett Place is a small cul-de-sac lined with terraces of quaint railway cottages. Built in the late 19th century, the modestly sized Georgian period cottage contained a series of small rooms and corridors with low ceilings arranged over two storeys.
Our approach was to transform the house through sensitive interventions that is respectful of the cottage’s historic character whilst updating the home for modern life. The internal floorspace was maximised by carefully extending the property to the rear at ground and first floor level. A sense of openness was created by remodelling the small rooms and corridors into a free-flowing space, establishing double aspect vistas to enjoy views over the front and rear garden. The addition of several skylights to the first floor and roof levels drenches the spaces with natural daylight and enhances the volume of the space.
The material palette of oak, reclaimed London stock bricks, Staffordshire Blue Ketley bricks and marble were chosen for their natural qualities, creating a sense of warmth and authenticity to the space. The butterfly roof, which was typically a hidden feature of late Georgian style buildings, was expressed and celebrated in the main bedroom. A new oak staircase was installed to achieve a comfortable connection between the ground and first floor levels. Bespoke joinery and fittings in oak allowed for greater utility whilst establishing a sense of flow and continuity of materials.
