Kensington Townhouse

Refurbishing a spacious five-storey home for a professional dancer

Morgan Rae, a partner on our previous project Montrose House, invited LA London to act as architect for a design and build project in the heart of Kensington. Working directly for the main contractor is a role we’re always delighted to undertake: collaborating as a team means clear and straightforward communication between contractors and architects.

With interior design by Meraki, the project involved a small extension at the rear of the five-bedroom property, which was achieved with two floors of Crittall glazing. We also installed a mirrored dance studio on the lower-ground floor for the client, who is a professional flamenco dancer.

The discrete track for a fire curtain, hidden as a shadow gap in a wall

One of the key challenges of this project was fitting a fire curtain, which was required under new fire and safety regulations. The curtain needed to be located in a prominent position along the dining room wall, near the entrance on the ground floor. However, we didn’t want it to impinge on the sense of open space upon entering the house. 

Thanks to our experience integrating fire curtains in similar period buildings, we were able to resolve the issue by concealing the fire curtain behind cornicing and interfacing it with joinery features, complying with safety demands without affecting the elegant and spacious reception area.

With its warm, nature-inspired colour scheme, custom-designed fittings and joinery, and an abundance of period charm, what was once a tired and functional space has been transformed into an attractive, contemporary home.