Wisley

This new-build house is on the site of a 1930s semi-detached house that had been greatly altered in the 2000s. The portion of the front facade that reflected its neighbour was retained and the new house built behind.

The brief from the client was to create a home suitable for both family life and entertaining. We demolished the house, leaving only the original front wall and excavated one floor down to create a basement level.

The concept for the house was based around a classical, pared-back architectural aesthetic influenced by Sir John Soane. We used the arch which he was so fond of as a motif throughout the house.

The layout revolves around a double-height space with formal rooms to the front and family rooms to the rear. The reception rooms are arranged to create interesting lines of sight in each direction. The decoration was inspired by Jean Michel Frank and other styles of the 1930s.

The general aesthetic is elegant and spare but luxurious and detailed. The reception rooms are formal and the family areas are relaxed. The reception rooms are glamorous spaces but to ensure they are not overdone we contrasted metallic materials such as marble and brass with natural elements such as maple panelling and vintage pieces.