Catherine Road, Surbiton

Redevelopment of a redundant garage site within the Cadogan Road Conservation Area to create a contemporary single-storey family home with a full basement level. The proposal adopts an “H”-plan configuration to form three private garden spaces — an entrance courtyard with reflection pool and waterfall feature, a secluded water garden and a landscaped main garden to the rear.

The architecture is defined by its careful relationship to context: low horizontal massing ensures the dwelling remains subordinate to the surrounding four-storey buildings, preserving daylight, privacy and the open aspect of the area. Flat meadow-planted roofs integrate the building into its green setting, while photovoltaic roof tiles and air-source heat pumps contribute to a highly energy-efficient envelope designed to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4.

The internal arrangement is centred on a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, naturally lit by large glazed openings and a raised roof lantern. The interior design features natural oak and Italian stone finishes, with sliding glass walls that create a seamless connection between inside and out. The lower ground floor provides additional living accommodation, including a media room opening onto a stone-walled courtyard and a principal suite with bespoke joinery and en-suite bathroom.

Externally, the use of high-quality facing brickwork and finely detailed timber fencing — inspired by traditional Japanese minka screens — enhances the visual character of the mews, transforming a once utilitarian rear access road into an articulated, landscaped environment. The project demonstrates how contemporary design, sustainable construction and sensitive urban infill can coexist harmoniously within a conservation context.