Interior of a modern home with wooden walls, a kitchen counter with a plant, black faucet, and beige cabinetry, and a person walking through a doorway.

ARCH STUDY

A crafted refurbishment reveals historic arches and creates an elegant live/work space within a Grade II listed house

Modern minimalist kitchen with light wood cabinets, a rectangular dining table, and a staircase leading to a second level. There is a small decorative item on the table and abstract wall art.

Arch Study is a refined apartment and office space for a client living in one of the earliest buildings in the conservation area of Notting Hill, London. Situated in a historic guesthouse within the main home's internal courtyard, the idea for the space was born in May 2021, after a year of pandemic-induced working from home.

Coffey's work stripped back years of clumsy intervention and plasterboarding and rethought an entirely new arrangement that celebrates the space's natural light and historic proportions.

Architectural drawing of a modern outdoor space with a white wall featuring potted plants, a door, and stairs leading to a house, along with a separate dark-colored structure with a window.

REVEALING HISTORY

Fortuitously, during the refurbishment, an original vaulted ceiling was uncovered and restored, revealing three Victorian arches. The curved brick ceiling adds texture and character to the travertine and oak-filled space and influences the sinuous architecture of the inserted joinery.

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinetry, a small countertop with a black faucet, and brown bar stools around a white kitchen island.

THE HEART OF THE APARTMENT

The main living area with kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom are on ground level, where the owner can host clients and guests can stay over.

The kitchen is seamlessly integrated into sleek oak joinery, concealing clutter and providing a spacious environment for comfortable living and entertaining. A worktop island, strategically positioned to offer courtyard views, becomes the heart of the apartment, serving as a space for food preparation, enjoying wine, or hosting informal business meetings.

Modern kitchen with a white countertop, black sink and faucet, a potted green plant, and a textured white backsplash with under-cabinet lighting.

WORKING IN LIGHT

Raised above the ground level, carved out of the solid oak joinery insertion, is a full-width mezzanine.

Here, a generous three-meter-long desk with hidden drawers, recessed sockets, USB ports, and light and security controls. The orientation of this study faces and centres on the courtyard, soaking up natural light and imbuing views of the lush courtyard beyond.

Modern kitchen with wood cabinetry, built-in oven, and a pot on an induction cooktop illuminated by warm lighting.
A bedroom with a large arched window showing trees outside, a bed with white bedding, and a round white bedside table with a gold lamp.

MATERIALS THAT ARE LOW CARBON AND AGE WITH GRACE

A refined palette of light-textured, natural materials, such as subtly whitewashed oak joinery, Crema d'Orcia stone and untreated Aniline leather, were chosen for their strength and timelessness.

Interior room with exposed brick ceiling, wooden shelving, a curved leather seating area, a desk with an open book and a pen, and a framed art piece on the wall.

LOCATION

London, UK

SIZE

915 sqft

STATUS

Completed in 2022

CLIENT

Private