58 QUEEN'S GATE MEWS

NEW MANSARD EXTENSION TO A HOUSE

The former animation studio in Queen's Gate Mews, off Gloucester Rd, London SW7 has been converted and extended into a high quality mews house

The building was the former animation studio for Wood Animations whose works include the Postman Pat series. The director also helped create Dougal on the Magic Roundabout and the Wombles. The owners having retired from the animation business decided to convert the studio into a house.

The remaining space presented various design challenges:

The client wanted some outside space, so the new storey was set back to allow for a roof terrace. As the only outside space access had to be gained directly from the main staircase, leading to a unique staircase arrangement that makes elegant use of the restricted space available and is one of the main features of the house.

There were concerns about privacy on the ground floor as the house is right on the road. To solve this the whole ground floor was raised by two steps to lift the occupants above any passers-by.

The client wanted an interior that was stylish and modern, but neutral enough to appeal to the rental market. The finished scheme relies on pale colours and muted tones, with an emphasis on natural materials such as the wooden floor in the sitting room and oak shelving to bring character and warmth. In the bathrooms limestone is set against light green mosaics to give gentle contrast.

The result is a three bedroom central London house that because of clean lines and spare design gives a feeling of space and comfort - a far cry from its previous incarnations.