About us
Heritage homes make up an overwhelming percentage of London housing, charming holdovers from a time when it made sense to break up rooms and compartmentalise living. In the 21st century, as families are generally shrinking in size, we are putting greater value on communal spaces. The first order of business when moving into a Victorian or Edwardian home is to transform it with an open-plan design.
When designed well, an open-plan house can increase the flow, the safety and the conviviality in a home. At Scenario, we believe in removing walls in the service of better function, better light and better connections, in every sense of the word.
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Projects
Wine cellar design for single storey extension in Beaconsfield
Bespoke integrated wine storage. Design by Wine Architecture, our consultants for wine, spirit and cocktail spaces.
Starting your wine cellar design
Wine Cellar Design Your project
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If you are planning to hire an architect for your wine cellar design, read our brief illustrated overview. It will help you understand the various stages of the design process.
Most architectural projects require planning permission from the local council, although a wine cellar may not. Consider asking an architecture firm to help. Our studio has had great success securing planning permission on behalf of our clients.
Sunny basement swimming pool in the heart of London
Complete renovation and extension Muswell Hill- London
Your Open Plan project
We established Scenario with the goal to run a uniquely collaborative, client-focused studio. Our skilled architects take a contemporary, considered approach to period homes with airy, open extensions, broken-plan design and new-build homes. The results have helped revolutionise London’s architectural landscape.
Our landmark project Scenario House, a light-filled Victorian conversion, demonstrates our innovative, contemporary approach to period conversions. In 2018 the home was shortlisted for several architecture prizes, including the RIBA London Awards.
If you are thinking about starting an architectural project in London, be it a renovation, an extension to an existing property or even a new build house we are here to help.
We created a created a brief and illustrated overview of the process to help you understand what to expect through the various stages of a residential, extension, renovation or new build project in London.
Most projects would need planning permission from the planning department of your local council. Our extensive track record working with throughout London boroughs and successfully securing planning permissions for our clients enables us to consider all of London our home court.
TIP: To find out the actual track record which any architects you may be considering has with your local council, go to the planning application search page on your local council’s website and use the search by agent option.
To help you understand in more detail what is required for obtaining planning permission in London we created a helpful and clear guide which you can download below:
Tip
Working with Scenario Architecture on your wine cellar design
Wine Cellar Design Your project >> Scenario Architecture
Scenario is a boutique studio of skilled architects focusing on contemporary residential design. We take on projects of every scale and scope, from renovations and expansions to new-build houses.
We collaborate with our clients at every step, from the initial concept through to construction, and we aim to complete all projects on time and on budget.
We use the latest 3D design and visualisation technology to streamline the process. Our building information modelling technology (BIM) produces reliable construction information and accurate data to save time and money. This Chartered Institute of Building case study, featuring one of our flagship projects, demonstrates the benefits of advanced technology for modern house design.
A RIBA Chartered Practice, Scenario complies with essential criteria covering insurance, health and safety and quality-management systems.
Working with Scenario Architecture on your London project
This guide is suitable for people who intend to make alterations to their homes that will require the consent of their local council.
It is based on our own extensive experience and explains in simple terms the UK planning process and how to successfully navigate through it.
We have put together this guide to explain, in a simple way, how to put in an application for planning permission in Stoke Newington. It is aimed at people who want to make alterations to their homes that will require the consent of their local council. We have over 10 years experience of doing planning permissions and hope we can share some clarity on the process, and the main points you will need to think about.
Established in 2007, Scenario Architecture is a boutique architecture studio focused on the high-end residential sector, working extensively throughout and around London. We specialise in every scale and type of domestic project, from interior alterations, through full renovations and refurbishments to new build homes. We offer a full bespoke architecture service tailored to fit your requirements and aspirations.
Our friendly and highly skilled team has the knowledge, experience and expertise necessary to take you step-by-step through the challenging and exciting journey of creating your new home. We will work together with you in close collaboration from initial design, through detail design and planning all the way to tender, construction and successful completion of your project on time and within budget.
Scenario Architecture is an RIBA Chartered Practice, which essentially means that we are compliant with the RIBA (Royal Institute of Chartered Architects) strict criteria, covering insurance, health and safety and quality management systems.
As early adopters of latest technology, we use as a standard for all projects a verity of innovative 3D design and visualisation tools to create and communicate design with our clients. Our experience shows that Real-Time visualisations and Virtual Reality tours are extremely powerful tools to streamline the process of choosing material finishes fixtures and fittings as well as simulating realistic natural light conditions.
When we produce accurate and reliable construction information we use the latest 3D BIM technology, (BIM stands for Building Information Modelling) which means that all project information is derived from a single accurate and coordinated 3D model. Using this cutting-edge technology collaboratively with other consultants as well as contractors has proven to save time and cost for our clients.
A case study featuring one of our projects was published by the Chartered Institute of Building, demonstrating the great benefits of this advanced technology specifically with domestic projects.
Wine cellar for home counties Edwardian house renovation
Wine Cellar design with open shelves, Design by Wine Architecture, our consultants for wine spaces.
Scenario is an established architecture practice focusing on contemporary residential design. We take on projects of every scale and scope, from home refurbishment, renovation and expansions to new-builds.
Man’s love affair with wine dates back thousands of years. In 2013 the first known wine cellar, dating back 3,600 years, was discovered in the former Canaanite city of Tel Kabri, Israel. Much like today’s best wine cellar design, even the most rudimentary cellars from Roman times through the Middle Ages and beyond revolved around keeping wines cool, shielding them from the damaging effects of the sun and preserving them from spoilage. But whatever the era, a well-stocked wine cellar has always been a symbol of status, wealth and culture, in the realm of royalty and aristocracy.
In recent times, wine cellar design has made huge technological leaps. Wine cellars or wine rooms are becoming must-have home additions. But embarking on such a venture requires some consideration about space, temperature and humidity control, long-term maintenance and materials to enhance the look and feel.
Scenario can help you to design a bespoke wine cellar and guide you through the many options available. Our experienced team will discuss the importance of leaving room for cellar growth (around 30 per cent growth room is recommended) and review the sort of bottles you’ve been collecting – the type of wine you treasure will influence the racking system you decide to install. For long-term wine storage, the ideal temperature is between 12ºC and 15ºC. And to ensure corks do not dry out, humidity should be between 50% and 70%.
At Scenario, we’ve helped several clients who long for the luxury of a bespoke wine room but don’t feel they have the space. We’ve been able to get around a whole host of challenges, including intrusive stairwells, low ceilings, strange angles and narrow spaces. Your wine cellar design is all about understanding the space you have available and making it work for you, rather than trying to force something into a space that is not going to work or fit properly.
With all the practicalities out of the way, you can proceed to aesthetics, show off your own personal style and have fun with it. Look around online and in design magazines for inspiration. And do plenty of research on sites like Pinterest, Houzz and Instagram, where you can scroll through the endless possibilities for wine cellar design – from spiral sunken systems and glass enclosures with floating stainless steel racks to concrete catacombs and mahogany monoliths. Then let Scenario make the possibilities a reality.
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House Extensions House Extension Cost
The House Extension Cost varies. This will depend on the scale, design, exterior materials and interior finishes of your extension. Before designing an initial concept for our clients, we discuss their big-picture aspirations and daily requirements.
When we budget the House Extension Cost on any home, we must consider the different types of extensions. Extending upward with a loft extension, for example, is often significantly cheaper than a side-return extension and rear house extension and most definitely a basement extension.
We understand our clients’ desire to understand the cost of building an extension before committing to the process. For a single-storey extension – be it a side-return extension or rear house extension – we allow between £2,000 and £2,500 per square metre, depending on finishes. These figures can also apply to renovating the existing areas within a house.
When it comes to loft extensions, it’s best to stay away from square-metre calculations as these may be confusing and misleading due to varying head-height requirements, kitchen and bathroom requirements and roof repairs. Generally we allow between £35,000 and £55,000 for loft extensions, depending on finishes.
Excavating a new basement is a great way to add significant floor space to your house with limited planning regulations. However the House Extension Cost per square metre is, by far, the highest in a basement. We allow between £3,000 and £3,500 per square metre, subject to finishes.
Working with Scenario Architecture
Our dynamic studio designs contemporary homes and extensions across London and the southeast. We collaborate closely with our clients from the initial concept through construction and aim to deliver all our projects on time and budget.
We use virtual-reality tools and the latest 3D design technology to visualise the process, choose fixtures and simulate natural light. Our building information modelling technology (BIM) produces reliable construction information, renders accurate data on all our models and saves our clients time and money. Scenario is a RIBA Chartered Practice. We comply with the criteria of the Royal Institute of British Architects, covering insurance, health and safety and quality-management systems.
Nearly any property you purchase in the southeast will retain or accrue value. When and if it turns out you need more living space, you’ll want any enhancements you make to the size of your home to enhance your asset, too.
A good architect will factor in your home’s location, layout, structural integrity and the size of your family to make your project work for you and your budget. A house extension cost shouldn’t cancel out the benefits of a house extension.
Unless your investment is a purpose-built flat, you should be able to gain extra space that suits your lifestyle. If you own just part of a house, you can build up, down or out, depending on your specific location. If you own the entire house, chances are better you can add substantial square metres.
In some neighbourhoods around London, loft extensions and side-return extensions (recouping the side-rear void often left open between terraced houses) are grouped under “permitted development”, which means they sometimes don’t require planning permission from the local council if the final plans heed the extended volume requirements of the area. Avoiding time-consuming planning applications will save you money in the short run.
On the topic of money: it’s always difficult to propose a house extension cost without evaluating the home in question, the resident family and their plans. But it’s likely you can nearly double the size of your home’s original square-metre floor area at a fraction of the cost of the original house. Plus you will, of course, gain a nearly new living space without paying the stamp duty and agents’ fees associated with moving house – although you may need to purchase renovations insurance.
As with most building-related activity, it is wise to source three to five quotes for a house extension. With a range of budgets to hand, you’ll be able to assess which seem low, high and just about right, and choose accordingly. The foundation, walls and roof will soak up about 15% of your costs, followed by Velux and rear glazing.
You’ll want to price fixtures, fittings, appliances and any upgraded materials separately, so as not to be shocked when you receive that last bill – new kitchens are particularly dear, so keep your eyes out for deals and floor sales in the months leading up to a project. Once you’ve agreed on a budget, set up a payment plan with your architect and builders that works for everyone.
The House Extension Cost varies and this will depend on the scale, design, exterior materials and interior finishes of your extension. Before designing an initial concept for our clients, we discuss their big-picture aspirations and daily requirements.
When we budget the House Extension Cost on any home, we must consider the different types of extensions projects. Extending upward with a loft extension, for example, is often significantly cheaper than a side-return extension and rear house extension and most definitely a basement extension.
We understand our clients’ desire to understand the cost of building an extension before committing to the process. For a single-storey extension – be it a side-return extension or rear house extension – we allow between £2,500 and £3,000 per square metre, depending on finishes. These figures can also apply to renovating the existing areas within a house.
Excavating a new basement is a great way to add significant floor space to your house with limited planning regulations. However the House Extension Cost per square metre is, by far, the highest in a basement. We allow between £3,000 and £3,500 per square metre, subject to finishes.
In our client's words
You’ve bought a home. In and around London, that’s no mean feat. Nearly any property you purchase in the southeast will retain or accrue value. When and if it turns out you need more living space, you’ll want any enhancements you make to the size of your home to enhance your asset, too.
A good architect will factor in your home’s location, layout, structural integrity and the size of your family to make your project work for you and your budget. A house extension cost shouldn’t cancel out the benefits of a house extension.
Unless your investment is a purpose-built flat, you should be able to gain extra space that suits your lifestyle. If you own just part of a house, you can built up, down or out, depending on your specific location. If you own the entire house, chances are better you can add substantial square footage.
In some neighbourhoods around London, loft extensions and side-return extensions (recouping the side-rear void often left open between terraced houses) are grouped under “permitted development”, which means they don’t require planning permission from the local council if the final plans heed the extended volume requirements of the area. Avoiding time-consuming planning applications will save you money in the short run.
On the topic of money: it’s always difficult to project a house extension cost without evaluating the home in question, the resident family and their plans. But it’s likely you can nearly double the size of your home’s original square-metre floor area at a fraction of the cost of the original house, even at upwards of £2,000 per square metre. Plus you will, of course, gain a nearly new living space without paying the stamp duty and agents’ fees associated with moving house – although you may need to purchase renovations insurance.
As with most building-related activity, it is wise to source three to five quotes for a house extension. With a range of budgets to hand, you’ll be able to assess which seem low, high and just about right, and choose accordingly. The foundation, walls and roof will soak up about 15% of your costs, followed by Velux and rear glazing.
You’ll want to price fixtures, fittings, appliances and any upgraded materials separately, so as not to be shocked when you receive that last bill – new kitchens are particularly dear, so keep your eyes out for deals and floor sales in the months leading up to a project. Once you’ve agreed on a budget, set up a payment plan with your architect and builders that works for everyone.
House Extensions >> Scenario Architecture In our clients words
We wanted to renovate our house in a conservation area in central London. Given this involved a complete demolition and new build with an extra floor on top, getting planning approval was always going to be tricky. Scenario did an amazing job on the new house 'envelope' and throughout the planning phase. We couldn't have wished for better from them and having succeeded in gaining planning approval owe them a very big 'thank you'. 
Scenario designed a kitchen extension for us, and we are delighted with the results. The process was well organised, planned and delivered, and the whole team were a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend them for their design, planning and project management skills. 
Worked with these guys on the internal development of our office. From start to finish they were great. They got what we wanted first time and really made working with them very easy. Their aftercare has been great too helping us deal with something that they were not involved with in the first place. Will highly recommend them to anyone. See all Google reviews
Further Reading
Reworking an old floor plan to improve light and flow is a crucial step in rejuvenating a house. An open-plan layout is a far more modern prospect than a warren of rooms, designed to sequester the kitchen, heat rooms individually by fire and keep bathroom time short.
Yet a lot of the idealised images we see in design magazines and on Instagram are easier drooled over than done. In many homes – specifically newer architecture – an open-plan layout is as easy as removing an incidental wall. But renovating British heritage architecture is far more involved.
Before simply gutting the communal level of your house, it is essential to consider how each aspect of the new space will relate to the others. We like to think of open-plan design in terms of “zones”. The dining and living areas, work spaces, play “rooms” and home gyms are each zones to themselves, and should be delineated by flooring, changes in level, large furnishings, pocket doors, decorative screens or walls. How these work will determine the furniture you purchase for your space and where you’ll place it. Make sure leisure areas have views through the house and to the outside. Hard-working areas like the kitchen can anchor a layout from the core, creating a “barbell” effect.
No matter how “open” we are in our habits, some areas of the home must always be kept behind closed doors – bathrooms, utility rooms and bedrooms must find a space of their own, away from the prying eyes and sharp ears. You’ll need to tuck these away without boxing them in awkwardly. The same goes for kitchen pantries and vestibules – especially if you spend time outdoors in poor weather. Places that create noise, like the kitchen, should be located at a distance from study areas or TV rooms.
Do you live in a period house? Think twice before you remove all extraneous elements and consider extending crown mouldings, ceiling rosettes, fireplace mantels and panelling around the new, enlarged space. You may appreciate the softening effect they have on a severely modern layout, or you may want to keep them around for the resale value of the house – period details are perennially popular.
All these considerations go some way toward replicating the feeling of having rooms without providing overt barriers between spaces. At the same time, you’ll make better use of the different areas than when they were kept behind heavy doors.