The project involved a complete refurbishment of a dated and tired house boat. The spaces were updated with new joinery, finishes and fittings. The new scheme focused around a new double height entrance sequence with glass stairs, landings, Japanese influenced screens and metal elements, all of which flood the spaces with natural light and create a glazed link between the public and more private spaces.
The base of the new stair forms a storage unit, and is clad in the grey resin that is used throughout the floor of the space. New glazed floor panels allow light to drop down between floors.
The scheme had technical challenges that revolved around weight and movement in a nautical setting. Finishes and fitting had to allow for movement and the rocking of the river around it. Weight had to be distributed evenly to avoid any listing of the structure.
PV panels and thermal insulation improved the carbon foot-print and sustainability of the project.
In addition to an upgrade to the main house, the project also involved a new garden pavilion and landscaping. The garden pavilion forming a multi functional space as gym, guest bedroom and bathroom. A Corten skin and envelope was used to clad the exterior of the structure and to deal with the exposure from the river. Internally a birch plywood material encloses the sleeping and gym spaces to create a flexible warm interior. Light is baffled through perforated Corten screens.
