This home and gallery in Clapham, south London, reflects the owners’ vision for a versatile environment. We reworked the previously disconnected layout into an adaptable hybrid working/living condition, where everyday duties are easily integrated into the family’s lives, exploring the boundaries and flow between private and public spaces. We worked with what existed, developed an understanding of the potential to both reinvent and protect the building envelope, extending its lifespan. We provided a cost-effective and lower-carbon alternative that included the integration of the garden. The spaces were designed to allow family members to find their moments of peace and joy, whether in the gallery, the kitchen or the children’s bedrooms. The project aims to exemplify how well-planned, purpose-led design decisions can result in dynamic spaces, reflecting the young, creative family’s unique ‘living with art’ ethos and aspirations. Advertisement In the evening, the family gathers in the kitchen to cook, eat, play and unwind. Located in the basement, the open-plan area is illuminated by two bookended triangular oriel openings, bringing natural light into the lower-ground space. One is a triangular skylight, a corner for contemplation and play; the other is a door opening up to the garden outside. Amalia Skoufoglou, director, O’Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects   Project data Start on site April 2022 Completion Gross internal floor area 140m2 Construction cost £392,000 Construction cost per m2 £2,800 Architect O’Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects Client Tanya Grigoroglou and Rupert Worrall Structural engineer Entuitive Principal designer O’Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects Approved building inspector London Building Control Landscape consultant GRDN Main contractor TAT Building CAD software used Vectorworks Predicted design life 30 years   Architect’s choices  We knew from the outset that, to achieve the budgetary constraints, a lot of our usual exposing of ceiling beams or dressing of walls would not be possible. There are lots of flat plasterboard surfaces in the project and, knowing that the client wanted a lot of expression, we decided to experiment with colour and textures in the joinery. For example, a lot of experimentation and care went into the bespoke kitchen cabinetry, imported from Denmark by Brouns and Co, which was stained with linseed oil. There was no wastage in the new marble countertop, which determined the height of the splashback and the length of the units. Amalia Skoufoglou, director, O’Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects   Specification The client’s brief called for a resilient, yet playful, rich materiality that could combine with a restrained, pared-down aesthetic suited to displays of art. This meant that materials were considered at a very early point in the project. In a quest to find connections with the existing typical London stock brick, different textures and details were tested, some of which were a direct response, some of which were not. The lower ground floor, the most materially rich space, opening out onto a new garden patio, is paved in flamed granite sourced from Portugal, the most economically viable, geographically closest, natural stone that could be sourced. To provide a seamless transition, the same granite tile in a honed finish continues internally. There is an EPD-accredited green terrazzo tile in the two bookended triangles, emphasising the linearity of the space.Advertisement One of the bigger material statements on the ground floor is the fire surround, which is clad in made-to-order slabs from Granby Rock, a durable recycled terrazzo manufactured using 70 per cent recycled aggregates. Amalia Skoufoglou, director, O’Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects   Selected products Bathroom washbasin Kast Lux A1 on stand Master shower room DiscontinuedBathroom washbasin Kast Nilo Children’s bathroom kastconcretebasins.comBathroom tiles Topcer Tiles 96 × 96 × 8mm All bathrooms towerceramics.comBathroom faucets Crosswater MPro All bathrooms crosswater.co.ukLinseed oilBrouns and Co Kitchen cabinetry linseedpaint.comKitchen tap Vola 590H Kitchen vola.comTerrazzo tiles InOpera Group Pastine Verde Acido Kitchen floor inoperagroup.com Granite tile Marshalls paving Neso Kitchen and exterior patio marshalls.co.ukOak flooring Chaunceys Bristol Tectonic Throughout chauncey.co.ukIronmongery d line Arne Jacobsen Throughout dline.comFire surround Granby Rock Red Ground floor granbyworkshop.co.uk #case #study #raw #house #osullivan