The narrow site, bounded on three sides by other buildings, contained a derelict perfume factory. As the client had affection for its industrial charms, we were keen to capture some of that aesthetic, with the expressed roof structure, reeded glass screens, painted brick and black-stained exterior weatherboarding all of which were recreated in a crisp and modern composition. The development is modest in nature, maintaining the character of the Twickenham Riverside Conservation Area in which it is situated. The external appearance of white-washed brick and black stained timber, enhances the picturesque nature of the former mews, while capturing the industrial charm of the existing heritage building.

Internal features include a double height entrance hall with a bespoke folded steel staircase springing from a cast concrete half landing. Finishes are monochromatic, allowing the owners’ art and furniture to bring colour. The timber and plaster is all strong white, with contrasting black structure, ironmongery, conduit and sanitaryware. Eschewing the minimal, the client was keen on a textural palette in keeping with the urban factory feel: the ground floor is polished concrete and the stair is raw, blackened steel.

Internally, two spacious en-suite bedrooms occupy the ground floor, expertly finished with light concrete floor and crisp white paintwork, feature white tiling with dark grout and oak faced ply cupboard walls. A multi-purpose open plan living area occupies the first floor, making use of the outlook at this level. The generous combined kitchen dining area is elegantly finished and provides ample space for social gathering. Light floods in through the linear roof lights which sit above exposed rafters, tempered by the dark oak faced cupboards, creating a comforting atmosphere.

Outdoor amenity space in the form of a walled garden, provides privacy from the adjacent street, and can be accessed directly from the master bedroom and first floor living area by way of a balcony and external spiral staircase.