Located on a quiet road in St John’s Wood London NW8, this modern townhouse had a typically awkward layout, which forced the living area to be accommodated at first floor. The refurbishment involved taking everything out from ground floor, installing new bespoke walnut staircases to connect the three levels, and moving the front door and hallway to accommodate the new open-plan living spaces. A full-width rear extension meant that the living spaces could be provided at ground floor opening on to the garden, freeing up space at first floor to create a large master bedroom suite with walk-in rain shower to the en-suite, resulting in a five bedroom house. A full width walk-on rooflight at the junction of the house and rear extension allows sunlight to penetrate deep into the living spaces, while a roof terrace opens off the master bedroom above. High quality fittings and finishes are used throughout, including the four bathrooms. An AV and home automation system is fitted to the living areas and the first floor bedrooms. Underfloor heating is provided to the ground floor spaces, whilst solar hot water panels on the roof provide around 60% of the hot water requirement for the house, linked to a ‘solar’ cylinder. The building shell was improved with new windows, entrance doors and roof. A level threshold was constructed to the front entrance, and security was improved through use of video entryphone, CCTV and high quality doors/locks. DDWH Architects provided the full RIBA Architectural service from briefing stage to completion. This included detailed consultation and option appraisal with the client to ensure the optimum results in terms of specification and use of space to suit their needs. After Planning Approval was secured, we produced a comprehensive technical and Building Regulations package, which enabled contractors to provide accurate tender returns. This in turn helped ensure quality, and minimized additional costs incurred through misunderstandings during construction. DDWH Architects carried out a careful tender return analysis to ensure that the most suitable contractor was selected to undertake construction. We organised the appointment of Structural Engineer, Building Control, as well as liaison with Statutory Authorities to upgrade incoming services. During construction, we provided the client with Contract Administration services to maintain quality and ensure the correct specification was followed. This also assisted with minimizing delays, through use of our problem solving skills when any unforeseen difficulties arose. What was a poorly organised townhouse now makes optimum use of the space available to provide bright, generous living spaces and additional bedroom/bathroom space at the upper levels, using elegant fittings, finishes and joinery to create a luxurious family home.