CDC Studio

City Pad is one of a pair of attractive Victorian villas in gault brick with red brick dressings and is identified within the conservation area appraisal as a building of importance to the character of the area. The north east side elevation of City Pad is clearly visible from Glisson Road and the mono pitch slate and glass roof of the existing single storey garage and extension can just be seen.

The brief was to create a kitchen family space but to incorporate distinct useable areas. A flexible dining space accommodating 8 on a day to day basis but allowing for 20 to be seated on special occasions. A kitchen with the ability to prepare food but to have the ability to address the room. Improved connection to the garden and light to enter the central area of the room which would stretch into the corridor approach from the main house. A huge central rooflight with solar control glass and an external blind for the heat of summer floods the space with light. Clerestorey electrically operated north windows allow for great ventilation through the space and views to the skyline beyond. Douglas fir ceiling joists are dark stained to add to the dramatic atmosphere of the space with acoustic panelling painted black which successfully dampen the reverberation of the many hard surfaces within the space.

CDC studio completed a series of iterative ideas for the clients to embrace the design development. This was completed through a pinterest board to swap flavour images which were tailored to the specific interior of the City Pad using a 3Dbim model which the client could explore and interact with. This gave the client confidence to proceed with a bespoke design and understand the overall vision.

Central to the clients requirements was the ability to have an everyday useable room which would serve as a sociable 'Party' space for Grown Ups and for children. The ability to house a table tennis table, desk and chair storage, TV, children's books, toys and desk, laundry, coats, wc, hats, boots and umbrellas, speakers and an audio system, built in larder without revealing their locations was a joy to create.

American Black Walnut book matched along the length of the kitchen elevation was chosen as the primary veneer throughout the space and careful attention was given to the high level panels which hide a step in the extension height at the boundary to continue the look through the volume. A recessed drinks cabinet was formed reflecting the kitchen with glass fronted cupboards for drinks and glasses high enough from little hands.

The multi- functional family room space had to accommodate a number of requirements including a hidden tv cupboard and access to a boot room. All cleverly concealed behind book matched American Walnut veneered panels mirroring those from the kitchen.

The clients also wanted to incorporate a play space and toy storage spaces for their children with the ability to be adapted over time as the children grew and their requirement changed. A mobile bookshelf opens out to reveal a play space and desk when required all neatly closed and tidied away to maintain the calmness of the room at the end of each day.