HMD STUDIO
Project - Mandrake road
Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Wandsworth, London, the Mandrake Project unfolds as a transformative journey, refreshing a traditional Victorian terraced property.
Methodically conceived, this project is a testament to the thoughtful consideration given to optimizing the property’s potential within the realms of contemporary family living.
Design Brief
Embarking on the Mandrake Project, the initial canvas presented a conventional Victorian layout with a dimly lit kitchen tucked away in the outrigger, disconnected from the garden and internal spaces that failed to benefit from any natural light.
The evolving design brief at Mandrake redefined the essence of the residence. The primary goals were to flood the interiors with natural light, unlock the latent potential of the loft space, and reimagine the ground floor to unveil a contemporary open-plan living area. This reconfiguration also aimed to integrate a designated utility, ample storage solutions, and a dedicated home office catering to the demands of modern living.
The clients, responsive to innovative ideas, expressed a desire to maintain a nuanced separation between distinct areas within the house. The transformation journey involved a comprehensive strip-out of the existing property, paving the way for a dynamic reconfiguration of internal spaces, ushering in a new era of luminosity, functionality, and purposeful design at Mandrake.
Interior Design
Post-completion of the installation of the structural Steelwork, a collaborative decision with the client led to the celebration of exposed steels installed for the ground floor rear extension. This architectural feature, once hidden, now became a prominent and joyful element, with the client ingeniously repurposing it as an unexpected bookshelf.
The carefully curated colour scheme, echoed throughout various details, infuses a contemporary ambiance into the property. This modernity harmoniously coexists with the warmth exuded by timber flooring and soft furnishings. The exposed steel, now repurposed, becomes a unique focal point, adding character and functionality to the space.
The addition of a room off the kitchen introduced a versatile, multifunctional space—morphing seamlessly between additional kitchen storage, a home office, and even a nursery at different times. By maintaining separation in the front room instead of opting for an entirely open-plan layout, Mandrake achieves a family space with a cosy, intimate feel, distinct from the main entertaining area at the back. This thoughtful approach to interior design creates a dynamic and adaptable living environment tailored to the diverse needs of contemporary family life.
Architecture
Mandrake Road underwent various transformative interventions, featuring a Ground Floor Rear and Side Extension, coupled with a loft conversion involving a rear roof slope mansard and an additional level above the outrigger. Navigating local planning restrictions, the project submitted numerous applications to secure the necessary permissions to unlock the property’s full potential.
The focal point of the architectural redesign is the open-plan kitchen and diner, creating a bright and inviting family space. This design maximizes natural light intake through off-the-shelf roof-lights and expansive sliding doors that establish a seamless connection with the garden. Additional rooflights strategically positioned on the second-floor flat roof flood transitional spaces and the stairway with an abundance of light.
The resulting layout boasts a master suite with an ensuite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, along with two additional bedrooms and a home office on the second floor. Mandrake Road stands as a testament to innovative architecture that surpasses conventional restrictions, creating a harmonious blend of contemporary living and timeless design.
Video Overview
Design Details
The Mandrake Project’s intricate design details unfolded through a meticulous collaboration with the client, ensuring that every level of the plan mirrored their unique needs. The conversion of the first floor into a Master suite, whilst resulting in the loss of a bedroom, underscored the significance of gaining the additional bedroom above the outrigger through the complex planning process—an essential balance in the justification of the overall transformation.
On the ground floor, the combination of the WC, utility room, and storage served to impart practical functionality to the central area of the house, which receives the least natural light. This thoughtful allocation of spaces allowed the kitchen to evolve into the primary living area and family room, basking in the maximum amount of natural light and fostering an optimal connection with the garden. Mandrake’s design details not only catered to the aesthetic aspirations of the client but also prioritized practicality, creating a residence that seamlessly harmonizes with contemporary family living.