A distinctive modern intervention in this very gentrified leafy urban conservation area of Westminster, the design is a stark contrast in architectural form to its traditional cream rendered neighbours. But planning consent was granted on the basis of the careful restoration of the red brick coach house to the road side of the site, which to an extent stands to mask the modern design of the new build volume to the rear of the site. Nevertheless the quality of the detailing and materials ensures that the building nestles happily in its classical context. A discreet door in a side wall off a quiet side street provides the entrance to this unique one bedroom house. The coach house with exposed timber trusses provides a bedroom suite in the form of a theatrical dark space featuring double height wall paneling and reclaimed parquet floors lit by a salvage 1960s chandelier of cast yellow and white glass. There is a deliberate duality about the contrasting moods in the private and public areas of the house, an intentional schizophrenia in the architectural details employed. A massive pivoting brick wall concealed in black facing brickwork links these two contrasting worlds. The new build living accommodation to the rear of the site is a modern space bathed in natural light from a super-scaled hydraulic pivoting window and a large louvred skylight above. A structural glass section in the floor of the main living space at the same time allows light and a visual link to a luxurious screening room below, where a chestnut leather finished conversation pit is softly lit from concealed sources in the surrounding walls. “It is dramatic yet still feels like a home because it is full of personality with so many interesting features and attention to detail. Excellent use of British craftsmanship.” Sir Terence Conran “So much thought, intelligence and passion is here. I enjoyed the play on different scales as you pass from the industrial soaring spaces into the intimate more domestic rooms ..... it's so inventive and quite magical. Most of all, it is a happy, comfortable and fun home.” John Pawson