The Bands
The Bands
The Bands is a full-scale renovation of a three-storey Victorian semi-detached house in Chiswick, designed for a music-loving family. Previously altered in the 1990s, the house lacked coherence, spatial clarity, and architectural presence. The brief sought to rationalise the plan, refine the additions, and modernise the home while respecting the character of the existing Victorian building.
“Matt and his team proved to have great creative vision – anticipating how things would fit, in a way that at times, honestly escaped us, but were obvious in the final delivery. The conclusion was the wow factor.”
Juan (Client)
Rhythm, Light and Layered Forms
The composition of the extensions sits subserviently against the Victorian backdrop, layering new forms to complement rather than compete with the original facade. Bold interventions are expressed simply: the ground floor rear and side extension is light and predominantly glazed, anchored by a sculptural brick portal frame. The heaviness of this frame accentuates the lightness and transparency of the surrounding glass. A first-floor glass box opens onto a terrace, while a ground-floor side extension creates additional visual layering. All original windows were replaced with large-format glazing, tying the rear facade together and enhancing the sense of openness and continuity.
Minimalism and Materiality
The design celebrates restraint and material richness, creating interiors with a calm, contemplative atmosphere reminiscent of an art gallery. Original Victorian elements are retained and carefully revealed, providing texture and depth, while new interventions are precise, measured, and purposeful. Spatial clarity is achieved through layered volumes, subtle changes in ceiling height, and the orchestration of light, allowing the home to feel open and generous without superfluous decoration. Natural materials and considered detailing enhance both tactile and visual experience. Brick, timber, and glass are combined to provide contrast and rhythm, supporting the flow of the open-plan layout and framing views to the garden. Function and beauty are integrated seamlessly: architectural elements conceal services and storage, while the minimalist approach ensures each surface, junction, and feature contributes to the overall coherence of the space. The result is a home that is elegant, refined, and enduring, where contemporary interventions and historic fabric are in quiet dialogue, supporting both daily life and long-term wellbeing.
The Bands
Central to the spatial identity of the project, the “bands” establish a subtle ordering of the interior. Formed as a series of ribbed walls and columns, they divide space without enclosing it, guiding movement while maintaining visual continuity. This creates a measured sequence of spaces, reinforcing a quiet sense of progression through the home.
Their expression remains restrained. Set against smooth, pared-back surfaces, the bands introduce a gentle texture and sit in nuanced tones of white and pale grey, allowing them to register subtly within the overall composition. Repeated throughout, they frame views, mark thresholds, and provide rhythm, becoming a defining element of the project’s character.
“As with any renovation, we also encountered many unexpected situations. The Stylus team always went out of their way to find solution, and I was impressed with how generous they were with their time and their commitment to make sure the project was delivered.”
Juan (Client)
