Winner of the 2025 RIBA London Awards "Quinn Architects’ transformation is a beautifully executed open-plan layout full of rich detailing. There is a generosity throughout the house that is reminiscent of the work of Louis Kahn or Luis Barragán. The open-plan internal layout flows beautifully; spaces overlap and borrow from adjoining spaces. The kitchen is central and the heart of the home and is celebrated by a large roof-light that brings light to the middle of the plan and a double-height space." - from the RIBA judges Originally built in 1979, this charming brick and timber mews house sits tucked away in an infill behind a Georgian terrace. We were tasked with the challenge of modernising a unique mid-century home to meet the living and environmental needs of the 21st century, without compromising the integrity of the house’s original spirit. The resulting evolution builds upon, but does not compromise, the original Case Study ethos around which it was originally designed back in the 70s — that of open plan, simple volumes and panoramic windows overlooking exterior courtyard spaces Light wells and the use of open-plan living, kitchen and dining room spaces leads from one room to another, echoing a sense of spaciousness, all whilst paying homage to the feel of a modernist home of mid-century London. Inspired by the sensitive and impactful renovations of British architect John Winter, the principles of shared spaces, clean lines and geometric designs were carried through in the design of the Courtyard House. With the client’s support, we took a bold step and proposed a fully glazed scheme that raised the roof height, creating a new, dynamic relationship with the gardens. By designing a single volume, the building now benefits from rooms that borrow visual space from one another. A double-height space for the stair below a large roof window transforms previously dark and poorly ventilated areas into spaces filled with light and air. The use of concrete, limed block-work, timber, steel and glass reflects our commitment to an elemental and straightforward construction method, executed by skilled local builders.