Kensington, London
2005
The London mews house, originally designed for the horse, carriage and driver, typically has no garden or windows at the rear. This mews house in Kensington was unusual in having a slim rear light well to serve the upper floors. To provide more natural light to the ground-floor living space, this light well was extended to the full width of the property and a glass floor installed at first-floor level to light the rear wall plane. The result is a dramatic backdrop to the main ground-floor living space. The overlooked windows to the master bedroom were removed and replaced with full-width, floor-to-ceiling glazing opening on to the light well. On the top floor, the light well was expanded to create a sunny external terrace connected to the sitting room.