10
PEEK
Architecture
+ Design Ltd
Classic Proportions
For Modern Living
properties, and Georgina was recently the
lead Architect on Margaret Thatcher’s
former grade II listed residence at Chester
Square, London. The majority of the
practice’s projects are the restoration and
development of central London period
buildings, so given the opportunity to
develop a new build in a traditional style,
an opportunity to imprint the lessons
learned through years of examining these
beautiful examples was realised.
When Georgina Turvey from PEEK
Architecture + Design was faced with the
empty site near Richmond, she was given
a brief to create a classic and traditional
new house, undertaking the planning
permissions to the construction, interiors
and furnishing. Having the design intent
for the interiors devised at the very start,
means the scheme has a coherence and
flow, everything having its perfect place
and geometry.
The house ‘Wildcroft’ is approached via a
grand wrought iron gate, and stone steps
lead up from the pedestrian gate to the
grand front porch, with balcony above.
Georgina invested time on the selection of
the stone and brick for the exterior, with
the brick being chosen so that it was the
best match to Georgian red brick.
The land Wildcroft is sited on, is quite
uniqe. To the North stand beautiful,
ancient trees, with Richmond Park
just beyond. To the South there are
far reaching views over green spaces,
towards Wimbledon common from
the elevated position. The proximity to
Richmond and Kew was the inspiration for
the formal dining room, with lush green
plants on display in the centre of the
antique round table (from Elizabeth James
Antiques).
From the outset, the strategy for the
interiors was integral to the scheme, and
the layout was formulated with the more
formal spaces to the front of the house,
and the open plan kitchen in an additional
wing to the rear. PEEK Architecture are
experienced in the restoration of heritage
The objective was to create a home
inspired by perfect Georgian proportions,
symmetry and space, but to house modern
living and to be as energy efficient as
possible. It was paramount that light and
circulation were considered in all aspects
of the design.
The vertical axis of the house is also key,
and when entering through the front door,
the eyes are drawn up the large stone,
staircase leading to the landings above. A
triple height space is created from the void
between stairs and landings, with a large
glazed lantern rooflight over. The hallway
is tiled in White Emperdor marble with a
2 tone trim consisting of Grey Marquina
and Fumed Emperador to the perimeter,
following the curve of the stairs (from
Mandarin Stone). The stair balustrade
is made from raw metal spindles and a
natural oak handrail, by Crafted Handrails
(www.craftedhandrails.co.uk)