LoopHouse 1

As one of Paul McAneary Architects’ early projects, this remodelling of a Victorian house in Kensal Green explored the idea of optimising space and light to create an airy, clean-lined contemporary home, a theme that continues to underscore the practice’s work.

The project focused on opening up the cellular arrangement of the dwelling with an efficient looping plan, hence the name ‘Loop House’. Bespoke Paul McAneary Architects storage units effectively clear rooms of clutter, revealing new spatial possibilities, and a toplit staircase brings natural light into the interior. In a deft sleight of hand, an existing unsound flat roof to the rear of the house was reconstituted as a sculptural parabolic form, an especially complex feat of design and construction incorporating concealed gutters.

The clients enjoy entertaining, so dining and kitchen spaces were enlarged and the connection with the garden enhanced, to take advantage of al fresco possibilities. A new pergola trained with luxuriant climbing plants offers shade in the heat of the summer, transforming the garden into a sensual outdoor room. [By Catherine Slessor*]

Contract Value Private

Location North West London

Client Ceilidh & Will Waddington

Date 2008

Area 167m²

Design Team Paul McAneary Architects

Design Service

Main Contractor Typhoon

Sub Contractor

Supplier Aston-Mathews, Hicks Jo Powell Blinds, Somic

Press 2011 Channel 4 with George Clark