Imagine a home where the garden isn’t just an exterior view but an integral part of daily life. In Hampstead, MATA Architects has redefined this concept with a striking renovation for a family with teenagers. The focus was on the lower ground floor, transforming not just how the space feels, but how it interacts with the south-facing garden. This isn’t about adding more rooms; it’s about enhancing connections between indoors and outdoors.
Originally, the house overlooked the garden, perched above it with a daunting staircase as a barrier. MATA Architects addressed this with a clever extension, lowering the living areas by nearly a meter. Now, the family rooms almost spill into the greenery, making the garden a natural extension of the home. The ceilings seem to soar, sunlight floods the interior, and the garden becomes an integral part of everyday life.
Design constraints, like the roots of surrounding trees, shaped the extension’s unique footprint. MATA Architects embraced these boundaries, ensuring the new space harmonized with its environment rather than dominated it. Iroko hardwood battens on the exterior provide both texture and warmth, while a tapering roof offers shade and reflects the sky with its mirror-polished stainless steel underside. These elements make the structure feel lighter and more connected to nature.
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The centerpiece of this transformation is a completely glazed corner that faces the terrace. With large sliding panels that open to the garden without visible support, the living room seamlessly extends outdoors. Even when closed, the expansive glass brings the outside in, flooding the space with light and maintaining unbroken views.
Inside, the living room—itself a step down—anchors the open plan. This subtle level change delineates the space without erecting walls. Full-height windows ensure it remains bright, while integrated timber shelving offers warmth and practical storage, defining the area amid minimalistic surroundings.
Continuity flows throughout with Dinesen ash flooring uniting the spaces. In the kitchen, a Bianco Eclipse quartzite island doubles as a work surface and social hub, effortlessly linking the interior to the garden beyond. Adjacent, the dining area exudes a cozy vibe with its timber alcove, fireplace, and bar—ideal for intimate dining or lively gatherings.
Even the smaller spaces reflect thoughtful design. The powder room features a sculptural stone sink, blending texture with clean finishes and warm woods for a balanced aesthetic.
Private areas maintain this meticulous attention to detail. The primary suite is a multifunctional haven, with combined sleeping, working, and bathing spaces—all featuring concrete sinks, timber tubs, and stainless steel elements. One bedroom’s fireplace adds charm and coziness.
This Hampstead home’s success lies in its purposeful design choices. MATA Architects transformed once-separated spaces into a cohesive whole, where lowering the main rooms and opening up to the garden makes the outdoor space the heart of the home.
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Source: yankodesign.com