ROA worked with the developer and the main contractor as part of a design and build team to replace the existing building, which had reached the end of its life cycle, with two semi-detached dwellings, including a basement and roof space on this narrow plot in Richmond, London. 

 

The basement lightwells, which allow daylight and natural ventilation to the below ground spaces, were completed with frameless glass balustrade above ground, to avoid any detraction from the refined simplicity of this classic modern building. A continuous, slimline canopy connects the two properties, covering the modern interpretation of a bay window projection and providing shelter to the area in front of the full height entrance doors. Visual clutter was removed, and any decorative elements are missing in favour of providing a well proportioned exemplar of a contemporary architecture.