The Art of Living
A conservation-area villa thoughtfully extended and reimagined around art, accessibility and contemporary family living, balancing its historic character with light-filled spaces designed for comfort and longevity.
Set within a strict conservation area, this project warmly brings together heritage character, contemporary living and the quiet joy of art. A side extension makes use of an underused part of the plot, balancing the villa from the front while preserving its original presence. To the rear, a second extension sits gently within the composition, adding valuable space without competing with the historic façade.
Inside, the home has been shaped around comfort, accessibility and longevity, with a discreet lift linking every floor for every generation. The ground floor opens into a modern kitchen, dining and sunken living area overlooking the landscaped garden, while the upper levels offer a calm master suite and additional bedrooms. Throughout the house, an extensive art collection brings personality, colour and warmth to daily life, giving the home its fitting name: The Art of Living.
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“What I love most is how the clients’ art has become part of the architecture rather than simply something displayed within it. Each piece brings colour, memory and personality to the rooms, while the calm material palette gives the collection space to breathe. The sunken living area is a particularly special moment: intimate and comfortable, yet still connected to the kitchen, garden and rhythm of family life.”
In our clients’ words
Alex and Layla
Alex and Layla tasked the Scenario team with a full renovation and extension of their modest, traditional terraced house in Islington. The original house was dark, dated and unsuited to a modern living style. Following a deep dive into their unique living patterns, their period property has been transformed into a contemporary, sleek home that is perfectly tailored to their lifestyle.
Alison
Alison discusses her journey working with Scenario on an ambitious extension and complete multi-storey renovation of a traditional Victorian house in Ealing. Scenario reimagined each floor of the house in a contemporary, innovative design with themes of nature and connection that perfectly suits the lifestyle of Alison, her husband and two children.
Mehal
Mehal looks back on his experience with Scenario so far, and the process of reimagining his period home in North London, which is currently undergoing construction. He talks about what Scenario do best, the key to a good relationship between client and architect, and what happens when issues arise.
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