Lightwell Residence

This concept centres on a lower-ground space that, in its original state, had no natural light — a common constraint in period London homes. By introducing a skylight above the staircase and a lightwell running through the rear of the plan, the entire lower level is opened up. Natural light reaches deep into the space, transforming what was a disconnected basement into the most compelling floor of the home.

Entrance / Staircase

The entrance draws on a Mediterranean sensibility — checkerboard marble flooring, soft plaster walls, and a deliberately restrained palette that lets the architecture do the work. The staircase descends past the lightwell, with each step framed by changing light conditions throughout the day.

Kitchen

The kitchen is built around a full-height marble island — a single, sculptural piece that anchors the room. A copper-finished range hood sits above, adding warmth and industrial texture. Open shelving and integrated storage keep the space clean without feeling clinical. The material palette is cool stone, warm metal, and natural timber.

Lounge Area

Beyond the kitchen, the lounge area opens directly onto the lightwell. The seating arrangement is low and generous — designed for long evenings, not passing through. Arched doorways soften the transitions between spaces, and the material continuity — the same plaster, the same stone, the same timber — gives the entire lower ground a sense of quiet coherence.

Private Bar

Tucked into the far end of the plan, the bar is detailed with fluted timber panelling, marble countertops, and statement pendant lighting. It reads as a space within a space — intimate and considered, but connected to the rest of the floor through shared materials and sightlines.