London, England

This central London residence by Joao of Casa Botelho is a total transformation. Major structural work reshaped the basement, ground and first floors, with a new rear extension leading onto a freshly paved garden. Crucially, the ceiling height of the original double reception was preserved, producing a dramatic 3-metre-high volume that opens directly to the garden. Internal walls were stripped back to form a modern, open-plan layout. Featured in Livingetc, Glass and The Times, the project has already generated significant attention. A special note of credit to the client for the discipline of using one material throughout — a reminder that simplicity, consistently applied, often delivers the greatest calm.