Our aim was to preserve the building’s distinct Victorian charm while embracing the challenge of shaping a contemporary new chapter. Retaining many of the original heritage features, we established a cohesive narrative between old and new, resulting in a perfect balance of period charm and contemporary elegance.
The existing Victorian home had exceptional detailing and scale, so the new kitchen was designed to replicate the feeling of grandeur through generous proportions and pared-back details using a modern palette. Materials were selected for their authenticity and natural qualities, robust nature, texture and tone to create depth and interest. Limestone flooring was laid in a traditional ashlar pattern and the addition of steel windows and doors create spaces with integrity and value, highlighting proportion and bringing in natural light. An additional layer of interest was added by routing parallel grooves into kitchen joinery, responding to the pale organic patterns of the limestone.
Connection with the landscaped gardens adjacent to the living areas was key to the project, bringing the family together but also allowing for privacy, retreat and quiet solitude. Having survived the last 100 years, this house has been given a new lease on life, now once again relevant, comfortable and significant for another century.
