Fauna House

A multi-generational family home in Stanmore by Paul Archer Design, transforming an early 2000s detached property from a standard suburban spec into a layered, contemporary household for three generations. The brief reconfigured the ground floor around an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, with a central island offering sightlines in three directions: south across the dining area to the garden, through to a living area with an indoor swing, and forward to a separate playroom at the front. The former garage was converted into a self-contained suite for visiting parents.

To the rear, the existing conservatory was removed and the full width of the back wall opened up. A larger brick volume extends the dining and living area into the garden, paired with a smaller glazed sibling that sits above a brick plinth; the brickwork frames the dining area's glazing and continues outside as a bench for the patio. Upstairs, the first floor was refurbished with two new bathrooms, while two awkward attic rooms were combined into a master suite, served by a new dormer that brings daylight and rooftop views into the upper level. Herringbone oak flooring ties every space together. The project was completed in 2018 over three storeys.

Architect of record: Paul Archer Design. Photography: Matt Chisnall.