Delving into the London scene, a residential masterpiece wins accolades for its architectural brilliance, reminiscent of California's design aesthetics. Come, have a tour!
In the heart of South London, a 1970s house has been transformed into an award-winning contemporary dream home that resembles a Californian-inspired residence. This remarkable renovation and extension project, managed by homeowner Ruth Somerfield, has breathed new life into a dated property, creating interconnected living and workspaces filled with natural light and openness.
The original house, designed on the ethos of Case Studies Houses, had lost its charm over the years. Its interiors were dark and dated, lacking a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. However, it was the authentic 1970s charm that initially attracted Ruth. Recognising the potential, she decided to extend and renovate the single-storey detached house after lockdown.
Ruth faced challenges in finding the right builders for the project. After much consideration, she chose Modernarc. With a meticulous approach, she managed the project strictly within a budget and timeline, even temporarily renting a house nearby during the renovation.
The renovation introduced light-colored walls and large openings, brightening and softening the feel of the house, reminiscent of Californian style homes that emphasise indoor-outdoor flow and natural light. The extension, designed by Quinn, raised the roof height, creating a new, dynamic relationship with the gardens.
The house now boasts full-length windows with triple glazing for thermal efficiency, a double-height space for the staircase that transforms previously dark and poorly ventilated areas into spaces filled with light and air, and an energy-efficient, green, and environmentally friendly design featuring an electric boiler and water heater.
In contrast to the original house, which was heated using wood-burning stoves, the renovation included underfloor heating. Ruth opted for sustainable oak flooring instead of cork flooring in the upstairs living area due to concerns about fading and longevity.
The interior design of the house is inspired by the Scandi aesthetic and mid-century design, with a focus on open, bright spaces and a warm color palette. The home is not only a residence but was recognized with awards, indicating that the design and execution were outstanding in blending contemporary lifestyle needs with respect for the original structure’s character.
The renovated house was described as an "architectural triumph" and the "standout home" of the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2024. This transformation embodies a thoughtful balance of preserving the 1970s architectural roots while creating a dream home with a modern, airy, and designer feel that won acclaim from architectural critics or award bodies.
This story is a testament to Ruth's vision and determination, turning a dated South London house into an award-winning contemporary dream home that seamlessly blends the mid-century Californian architectural inspiration with a modern reinterpretation suited to its London setting.
- Ruth Somerfield, the homeowner, recognized the potential in a single-storey detached house designed in the style of Case Studies Houses from the 1970s and decided to renovate and extend it after lockdown.
- The renovation aimed to rejuvenate the dated property, creating interconnected living and workspaces filled with natural light and openness, reminiscent of Californian-style homes.
- Ruth faced challenges in finding the right builders for the project, eventually choosing Modernarc to manage the meticulous renovation and extension, while also adhering to a designated budget and timeline.
- The original house, upon renovation, introduced light-colored walls and large openings, with full-length windows featuring triple glazing for thermal efficiency.
- The extension designed by Quinn raised the roof height, creating a new, dynamic relationship with the gardens, allowing for natural light to flow freely.
- The energy-efficient, environmentally friendly design featured an electric boiler and water heater, a departure from the original reliance on wood-burning stoves for heating.
- Underfloor heating was included in the renovation, and sustainable oak flooring was chosen for the upstairs living area over cork flooring due to concerns about fading and longevity.
- The interior design was inspired by the Scandi aesthetic and mid-century design, focusing on open, bright spaces and a warm color palette.
- The renovated house was celebrated in the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2024, being recognized as an "architectural triumph" and the "standout home" of the competition.
- The home is not only a residence but also won awards, indicating that the design and execution were outstanding in blending contemporary lifestyle needs with respect for the original structure’s character.
- The house boasts a double-height space for the staircase, transforming previously dark and poorly ventilated areas into spaces filled with light and air, along with energy-efficient insulation for improved ventilation.
- The home's renovation and extension has resulted in a modern, airy, and designer feel that embodies a thoughtful balance of preserving the 1970s architectural roots while adapting it to its London setting.
- This transformation serves as a testament to Ruth's vision and determination, turning a dated South London house into an award-winning contemporary dream home that seamlessly blends the mid-century Californian architectural inspiration with a modern reinterpretation.
