Celebrating Old and New – Stanmore Project by Michiru Higginbotham
Tasked with projecting a sense of calm and cosiness to the interiors of this ARC Architects project, Michiru Higginbotham has sought to create a modern and timeless environment for a young family.
Set within the bones of an original Victorian-era house, the modern addition sits concealed to the rear of the property, allowing the building to discretely hide within its surrounding context and streetscape. The façade has been reinterpreted in a monochromatic palette that not only enhances its original features but creates an elegant backdrop against which the interiors now sit.
Reflecting this heritage context and the marriage between old and new, the floorplan by ARC Architects allows for the original house to step down into the new extension, connected via a middle courtyard level. This level employs a contrasting light grey tile to emphasise the threshold between old and new. The tiles carry through into the corridor space, laundry and powder room that lie adjacent to the courtyard. These rooms are indicative of the consideration that has been applied to even the most functional amenities, with black Abey tapware and a deep minimalistic sink featuring in the laundry. The level is connected by glazed sliding doors and provides the first example of how the renovated space seeks to create a seamless flow between internal and external space – drawing in light and accentuating generous ceiling heights.
Skylights, clerestory windows and high-level awning windows have also been utilised throughout, drawing light into what was previously quite a dark terrace. Sliding doors to the rear of the extension succeed in connecting the house to the rear garden, indicative of the clean lines and subtle modern design features that have been employed. Factoring in this newfound relationship between the interior and the garden, Michiru Higginbotham placed a large emphasis on the flooring material so as to maintain a true flow between the heritage and contemporary spaces.
Black tapware and accessories were selected to complement the black and white heritage façade.
Having previously been hidden beneath a dark stain, the original timber floor was sanded back to bring out the natural colour and character of the timber. This approach was carried through to the new extension so as to maintain a cohesive design across the entire house. “We wanted to create a neutral material palette with natural texture, such as concrete look tiles and natural timber tones. Although they are of a differing species, the new extension timber and the original timber floor is married by the use of thresholds created by the slight changes in the levels to follow the slope of the land,” explains Michiru Higginbotham director Michiru Cohen.
Material consideration carried through to the bathrooms, which were completely overhauled amidst the renovation. Gareth Ashton Clearstone basins from Abey have been used in both the ensuite and master bath, which also features a Gareth Ashton Shower Ensemble and POCO Wall Mixer, all in black so as to marry with the house’s monochromatic façade. This carries through to the ensuite, with a black Gessi Goccia Wall Mixer and Accessories providing strong contrast.
This forethought to the client’s experience in the house long after its completion is indicative of the enduring approach Michiru Higginbotham has applied to Stanmore Project.
Responding to the abundant natural light that is now present in the rear of the house, Michiru Higginbotham utilised lightly coloured joinery and vertical faces to allow the natural light to bounce and reflect within the space. To emphasise scale, Michiru explains that the practice “incorporated up-lighting to spaces in order to provide a soft lighting, rather than a standard downlighting. This brings your eyes upwards, allowing you to appreciate the high ceiling space. We aim to evoke a sense of calm and cosiness in this residence overall, but we also wanted the clients to feel a sense of discovery when you transition from the existing part of the house into the new living/dining/kitchen, where it opens up into the outdoor space.”
Abey was again selected for the sink and mixer in the kitchen space, which Michiru explains was due to both the unique range on offer and the sales support the brand offered. “Abey fittings have a point of difference and a unique flair that complement our otherwise minimal aesthetic and material palette. Additionally, their customer care and services are excellent, which means that we can relax safe in the knowledge that our clients are looked after even after the project is completed,” she elaborates.
This forethought to the client’s experience in the house long after its completion is indicative of the enduring approach Michiru Higginbotham has applied to Stanmore Project. Taking into consideration the pragmatic demands of 21st century life, the practice has skilfully applied a contemporary design inside the bones of a heritage terrace, deftly combining old and new to facilitate thoroughly modern living.
