Beasley Dickson Architects were commissioned to convert a former Victorian coach house to a family home. Situated on a Locally Listed mews, the character of the original coach house facade was retained, whilst integrating modern living into a compact plan. Only the brick exterior walls were salvageable. An upside down layout was devised with bedrooms and bathrooms at ground floor, and open plan living spaces above. A terrace set within the existing profile of the roof, accessed via a concealed staircase, providing a generous rooftop garden. The original coach doors were removed, and a new ground floor facade inserted: formed from black oiled western red Cedar with charcoal coloured cast concrete cills and lintels. The grain and patination of the materials providing a tactile quality to the black tones. Careful configuration of the fenestration and timber panelling ensured the building reflected the feeling of the original coach doors, whilst providing privacy and security to the bedrooms. A spacious entrance hall and winding staircase clearly defines the journey to the public living spaces upstairs. A circular walk-on rooflight above drops daylight into the heart of the house and hints of the secret terrace. At 1st floor the terrace appears suspended in space, glazed on three sides to provide a visual connection to the ‘garden’ and sky beyond. Internal finishes of lime render, pine, granite, blackened railings and steel girders each play homage the building’s utilitarian heritage.