This bold modern composition dramatically counterbalances the scale and massing of the main residence, an imposing three-storey villa, built in 1904.
As part of the building programme, the villa, which is subject to an historic preservation order, was completely renovated back to its original facade and internal floor plan. This involved painstakingly removing more than 80 years of minor alterations, inside and out, all conducted in close consultation with the local preservation authority. The subsequent clarification provided the basis for the new development.
The scheme represents a striking synergy between the traditional and the contemporary, the latter’s volumetric composition delivering a robust orthogonal form, which
comfortably provides the additional spatial requirements for all three floors - and, moreover, enables the provision of roof terraces to levels one and two, each secluded from the other.
These private balconies take full advantage of its south-facing orientation, reintroducing the garden as an integral
part of the property. The lower window’s precise placement within the rear elevation continues this theme, elegantly framing views of the garden’s oak tree. As a way of subtly
binding the old and the new, the villa’s front pedestal is reconfigured within the design as a substantial plinth in fair faced white concrete, the ground floor and basement demarcation perfectly aligning with the existing front
detail. A sunken courtyard, providing natural light, extends and celebrates the scheme’s subterranean space.
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