Converted Garage in Primrose Hill, London

ProjectsThe Gables

exterior of brick courtyard building featuring an asymmetrical gable

Private Residence

Client: Private

Status: Completed

Date: 2012–2014

Area: 265 m²

Location: Primrose Hill, London

Converted Garage: bespoke brass chandelier

Contemporary interior featuring concrete floor, timber cladding and dining table

Contemporary interior featuring concrete column underneath staircase

Contemporary bathroom with marble mosaic flooring

Conerted Garage: green roof with large skylight

Garage Convertion

Located in a north-west London courtyard tucked between a Victorian terrace and main railway lines, this landlocked site presented a great design challenge. Our task was to convert and remodel a run-down industrial compound from the 1950’s into contemporary residential accommodation. The buildings, once a mechanic’s garage and office, today comprise a generous open-plan three-bedroom house and two one-bedroom apartments.

Jewel-like Appearance

Externally the buildings were re-faced, uniting what was previously a patchwork arrangement into a balanced composition. Responding to the courtyard setting a reflective metallic bronze glazed brick was used that glistens in the direct sunlight and give the development a jewel-like appearance.

Rich Textures Imbued with Memory

Brick is also the predominant material within the interior. As walls were moved, ground floor slabs lowered and ceilings pushed up to maximize the height on the ground floor, changes in the bond of the white washed brick walls mark the previous position of these elements. The result is a richly textured internal perimeter, imbued with the memory of place. This is contrasted with polished and rough concrete finishes, a coffered ceiling and Oak paneling.

The ground floor of the main residence accommodates the living, dining and kitchen areas. The open floor plan is structured by three elements: large openings bringing in the natural light, a sunken seating area set into the polished concrete floor and a wide staircase leading to the bedrooms on the upper floors.

Primrose Hill

The Gables is one of the many schemes for private and commercial clients Patalab has realised in the London Borough of Camden over the past years. It is also one of numerous projects we completed in Primrose Hill, which include Eclectic House and Primrose Mews House.

Client Testimonial

"I believe Patalab's biggest achievement has been to demonstrate a clear design focus, whilst offering a fully functioning and comfortable home. Furthermore, I’m particularly pleased with the amount of natural light we’ve been able to draw into the spaces, given the introverted nature and limitations of the site."