Balancing Heritage and Modern Living in an Edwardian Terrace
Architectural Design and Build by: Zulufish
Interior Design by Purple Design
Location: London
This four-storey Edwardian terrace in Ravenscourt Park has been extensively reworked by Zulufish through a comprehensive design and build approach. With a substantial basement extension, multiple infill additions and a roof extension, the project significantly increases both space and light, transforming a traditional period house into a contemporary family home.
Extending the Existing Footprint
The original house offered strong proportions but limited usable space for modern living. The clients, including an award-winning garden designer, wanted to create a long-term home that felt open, generous and connected to its surroundings.
Zulufish responded with a series of carefully integrated extensions. A 250 sqm basement now extends beneath both the front and rear gardens, complemented by a rear extension, side infill additions and a new upper-level extension. Together, these interventions expand the footprint while maintaining the character of the original structure.
A New Lower Ground Level
The basement forms the centre of the home, designed to feel as open and light-filled as the floors above. A central glass-clad staircase connects the levels, while additional external staircases provide direct access to the garden.
Full-height glazing, Crittall doors and carefully positioned openings draw natural light into the space. Courtyards at the front and rear further enhance this effect, creating a series of connections between interior and exterior.
Rooms are arranged to support both family life and leisure, with more private or enclosed spaces, including a wine room and hammam, positioned where natural light is more limited.
Open-Plan Living
At the heart of the basement, a large kitchen and dining area provides a central gathering space. The design is intentionally simple and structured, with a substantial island and integrated cabinetry forming the focal point.
A built-in banquette introduces a more informal dining setting, while concealed storage and work areas support everyday use. The open-plan arrangement allows the space to adapt easily between daily routines and larger gatherings.
Reworking the Ground Floor
The ground floor has been opened up to improve flow between rooms. Walls have been replaced with full-height glazed doors, allowing spaces to connect visually while still retaining a sense of separation.
The dining room is defined by a restrained palette and a focus on material texture, while the adjoining sitting room is oriented towards the garden. Large openings frame views of the landscape, strengthening the relationship between inside and out.
A long, linear media unit anchors the space, balanced by lighter finishes and natural materials.
Light Through the Upper Floors
A large rooflight positioned above the staircase introduces daylight into the centre of the house, allowing light to filter down through multiple levels.
The addition of a second-floor extension provides space for a new master suite, alongside bedrooms arranged within the upper floors. These spaces are designed to feel more private, with a softer, more contained atmosphere compared to the open-plan areas below.
A Cohesive Transformation
This project demonstrates how a series of architectural interventions can transform a period property without compromising its identity.
By extending the footprint, improving circulation and introducing light at every level, Zulufish has created a home that feels significantly more open and adaptable. The collaboration with Purple Design adds a strong interior layer, resulting in a house that balances structure, material and atmosphere.
