Walled Garden, London

A reimagining of a typical London Victorian maisonette, within the Minet estate Conservation Area, as a place of reflection and sanctuary from the city.

The project was above all a collaboration with our clients. Nimtim began work on the project after planning had been secured. We worked closely to develop the internal layouts and material palette within the constraints of the approved envelope.

Our clients wanted the home to feel open and connected but not cavernous. On the upper floor a master suite is created with private living space, bespoke joinery and a large bathroom affording views of the garden. We introduced an internal timber slatted balcony that permitted a dialogue between the bedrooms, the living space and the garden lending an almost civic quality to the flat.

We were able to partition off part of the flat as a separate annexe for guests, complete with its own separate entrance. This was achieved through a discretely located door and kitchenette.

Generous openings to the rear create a focal point and frame views from the living spaces and the main bedroom to the secluded rear garden; still defined and wrapped by the original stockbrick wall.

Collectively, we wanted the materials to have a rich and timeless quality and to be discrete enough to provide a backdrop to the client’s collection of art, books and furniture. A natural plaster was used for all new walls and partitions which gave a soft and diffuse quality to the light. Douglas fir timber screens and slatted floor planks allow light to permeate permitting glimpses between spaces reinforcing this sense of connection. In contrast against this natural palette is the stainless steel kitchen creating visual interest and reflecting light.

A datum, defined by the height of the walls in the rear garden is continued throughout. Initially by the continuation of a similar brick internally and then by the introduction of a picture rail or a change in material texture. An exposed aggregate concrete floor extends from the principle living space into the garden to reinforce the connection with the walled garden.

Nimtim’s concept for the garden was to create something that would be beautiful to look at but that also defined ‘moments’ within it. We proposed lush foliage, ornamental grasses and ferns that could withstand the South facing aspect and equally thrive in the dappled light beneath the canopies of established trees beyond the property. Within this, two seating areas are defined, separated by a wildlife pond and path interwoven with the planting creating moments for pause and contemplation.

Photography: Jim Stephenson

Architects: nimtim architects

Structural Engineers: SD Structures

Main Contractor: PB Building Contractors Ltd

Furnishings & Styling: Steffan Studio

Photography: Jim Stephenson

Doors & windows: PB Building Contractors Ltd

Kitchen: MPM Engineering

Concrete floor: Lazenby

Plaster: Clayworks

Terracotta floor tiles: Maitland & Poate

Kitchen splash back tiles: Topps Tiles

Black bathroom tiles: Best Tile Boutique

Cream bathroom tiles: Best Tile Boutique

Douglas fir: Dinesen

Bricks: Weinerberger

Sanitary ware: Alternative Bathrooms & Samuel Heath

Planting: Dulwich Pot & Plant Garden