How do you unlock new living space in a typical Victoria terrace?

This unique maisonette oversailed an access road to a mechanic’s garage in Brixton, south London. As a result, it was over 10 metres wide at first-floor level – twice as wide as a typical Victorian terrace. Invited by the owner to remodel it, we set about transforming the interior space through a process of reduction rather than construction.

'Our refurbishment was driven by a modest budget but big ambitions'

We discovered that the loft space was generous, so there was no need to either lower the floor or raise the roof to adapt it for habitation. We removed walls and floors, creating a series of airy, double-height spaces, working closely with our client from the outset to prototype the stair and test surface treatments and materials. The completed maisonette is very much reflective of this dialogue, our role being to listen, interpret and advise.