Transformed former medical practice and student dormitories into the ideal renovation undertaking that this couple had long been seeking

Mukund and Radhika's Transformation of a 1920s Arts and Crafts Home in London

Mukund and Radhika, a London-based couple, have successfully transformed a 1920s Arts and Crafts-style building in north-west London, turning it from a ground-floor medical practice and student bedsits into a spacious, modern, and stylish family home.

The search for a larger south-facing home with a garden for their growing family and visitors led the couple to this semi-detached property. Recognising its potential, they approached architect Dominic McKenzie to produce a design for the property.

The house underwent a significant overhaul, stripping it back to bare brick and stud. This extensive makeover removed floorboards, ceilings, plasterboard, chimney breasts, and partition walls. The house render was replaced with an insulated silicone house render, and timber detailing to the gable roof end was sympathetically restored.

A contemporary steel-framed extension was added to the rear of the property, forming a spacious kitchen extension and living space. The rear of the property was timber clad in Japanese-style charred larch, an idea proposed by Mukund.

The loft conversion created a three-storey property with a large main bedroom, an ensuite bathroom, and a concealed loft store. The couple asked for a minimalist feel with slim profile glazing and oak veneer joinery, which enhances the natural light throughout the home.

The open-plan living concept was a priority for the couple, along with a designated play and study area for their two primary school-aged children. The back bedroom was extended outwards, with a utility room and nifty linen cupboard added for extra storage space.

A new staircase was built with a rooflight installed above the stairwell, and original stained-glass windows were restored on the first flight of stairs. The porch was extended and remodeled to create an external alcove, incorporating low-level benches.

Mukund had firm ideas about combining the flats into one spacious five-bedroom family home over three storeys. Working with Charlie Avara, the managing director of All Done Design, the project was executed without much delay. Their home was the only non-residential property in the street, and neighbours and the council were pleased to see the building return to its original use as a family home.

Radhika mentioned decision fatigue as a challenge, and Charlie presented a shortlist of material and fixture options to choose from. Despite this, the couple implemented Dominic's plans without hesitation, resulting in a stunning transformation of their new home. The property, which had not been touched in more than 40 years, is now a testament to modern design and family living.

Transformed former medical practice and student dormitories into the ideal renovation undertaking that this couple had long been seeking