The Design Brief

Introduction
Jake Lafford,an Earthquake engineer specialist has bought a new studio mews - They leave quite independent lives as they both frequently travel abroad in connection
development in South Kensington, London. He would like the interior designed and with their work, but they do meet up in London whenever possible.
furnished and has asked Kitecreative to put forward a proposal.
- They are a cosmopolitan, well-travelled couple with many friends all over the world, whom
they like to meet in an informal way, especially when friends are visiting London.
Mews
- Their interests are visiting the theatre, and attending concerts and exhibitions.
The development replaces a mews behind a street of prestigious Georgian houses and has Both being sociable, they like to entertain friends and colleagues at his home.
been designed in accordance with planning control regulations to retain the scale and
atmosphere of the original mews. It comprises eight ground floor units with private walled - Jake spends alot of time working and intends to relax in the outside space
gardens at the rear and eight maisonettes above.The layout provides for one parking space
per unit and is gated for security control. - There are large gardens at the back of his site which contain a great deal of native
foliage such as blackthorn, hawthorn and elderberry. This attracts many attractive small
History of the term mews. birds like tits, of various kinds, greenfinches and goldfinches together with sparrows, and
he intends to add holly and ivy to the garden which will also act as a draw. He enjoys
According to Wikipedia “mews” is a British watching this wildlife.
term,that formerly describes a row of stables
with carriage houses below and living quarters
above, built around a paved yard or court, or
along a street, behind large city houses. Mews


had horse stalls and a carriage house on the
ground floor and the stable servants lived Client Brief
above. The popularity of th name “Mews” has
meant that developers have exploited this and - Jake is going to China on a research trip and will not be contactable for six weeks.
built new versions, with the garden-less front On his return he would like to see proposals for the complete design and furnishing of
appealing to house builders even more. this studio.
Advantage of a mews style;
- the neighbours are close by to - Although Jake takes a great interest in design and has developed a love of special
keep an eye on the property, examples of both antique and modern furniture, he has not formed any strong ideas on the
- they are often close to the town centre and type of interior he would prefer.
all amenities,
- they are cheaper to heat being small and - He wants an atmosphere that is informal, uncluttered and spacious, but comfortable, and he
terraced. realises that this small apartment requires innovative and creative ideas in order to
The disadvantages of mews are; satisy his needs.
- traditionally only a small window in front
- can be dark with low ceilings and small and few windows - The client would like an individual and creative water feature for the garden designed
- they can have small rooms in the new build versions which will also provide a bird bath. The style should reflect the concept for the whole
- little or ltd storage scheme.
- no front garden so no access for wheelie bin except through the house
- lack of private outdoor space - A feeder can be incorporated but the squirrels in the area need to be considered.
- rear gardens are overlooked
- noise from neighbours The layout is to incorporate:
- ltd parking - seating and dining for four, plus facilities for occasional visitors
- working space- 2 number computers, printer/scanner, storage for stationery, discs and
files
- storage for books- 15m run of shelving
Client Profile - storage for clothes- 2m run of hanging, plus drawers and shelf space for linen,
suitcases, and visitors’ coats
- In his late 30’s Jake holds a post as a lecturer and researcher in the department of - a sleeping facility for the client with occasional use for two people
seismology at Imperial College and his new unit will be within walking distance of the - wc, basin , shower
college. - kitchen- electric hob, electric oven, small fridge, small dishwasher, single sink,
storage, clothes washer, tumble dryer.
- His specialisation is in recording the history of earthquakes throughout the world and
the construction of dams in areas prone to earthquakes.

- Jake has a partner who tutors in electronic music at Sussex University where she has a
flat.
THE CONCEPT
- Mixing the heritage of the old style mews and the newness of the new building
Aspect together, it should be an inspiring place to work and also a very relaxing place to socialise
and relax in,

Situated in South West Kensington,London on the ground floor, the front of the building
- Lots of light. Focal points to draw the eye in and create a bigger feeling of
faces south west while the back faces north east. Jakes studio is situated in a row of
spaciousness.
terraces with maisonettes situated on top of the studios that will overlook his garden
- Keep the character of the old style mews that they have been designed on and mix with new
finishes.
Function - Continuity with the exterior/interior area. It is important to have an association with nature
and the garden being in the middle of London.
- Multifunctional spaces need to be created with informal zoned areas for the
different activities that will take place in the studio with plenty of storage. - As there is limited space for a bedroom and it needs to contain lots of storage a cocoon like
Although Jake tutors students on a regular basis he also spends considerable time at warm feel will be created that is cosy and inviting.
home on research projects resulting from his visits abroad. This studio needs to
function well as a place for working from home for Jake, a place for relaxing inside - Bring warmth into the space.
and also in the garden. Natural woods mixed with light walls and neutral greys, Simple handles.
Art/ sculptural statement pieces on the walls. Pops of colour, layers of textures.
- Jake watches television but dislikes the look of it. Some bespoke storage needs to Artificial plants, statement crafted pieces made by local artisans from Jakes travels.
be built that hides the TV.

- As Jake has a partner that visits often there needs to be a relaxing and sleeping
space that will accomodate her too.

- Jake is very sociable and likes his friends and colleagues to drop in for
discussions, and enjoys entertaining friends informally with his partner.There needs
to be space to entertain these friends in the studio.
This could be a large open plan kitchen/dining area that continues into a small
sitting area.
- A desk area needs to be designed with storage, shelving for books and any
instruments needed for Jakes work.
The building
The construction and services comprise the following;
Walls
- Party walls: 300mm thick load-bearing brickwork
- external walls: 300mm cavity brickwork in London Stocks (yellow bricks)
- Surfaces of all internal walls are plastered

- as both Jake and his partner share a passion for listening to music, storage for a Floors
music system needs to be catered for. - Intermediate floors: 100mm thick prefabricated concrete planks
- Ground floor: concrete base slab with suspended floor over for services
- As Jake spends alot of time away the interior and exterior needs to be low - 12mm plywood sheets on 150 x 32mm joists at 400mm centres
maintenance and easy to maintain.
Ceilings
- there needs to be a water feature/bird feeder built into the exterior and a sitting/ - plasterboard suspended on metal hangers, to allow a 100mm gap for services
relaxing area to view the nature.
Windows
- Front elevation: double glazed, hardwood sash windows with hardwood internal sills
- Rear elevation to garden: the devloper has provided a choice of three pairs of hardwood French
Aesthetics doors opening outwards, or triple stacking sliding doors in aluminium
- Both options to be double glazed

- The interior and exterior should be timeless and unfussy, and reflect Jakes love of
travel,art,the theatre and nature. Modern contemporary,old and new.
- The studio should give a sense of spaciousness that is uncluttered.
- There needs to be a sense of comfort. Using various woods, layering of textiles and (water supply pipes, electricity, gs, and soil pipes) under the floor and above the ceiling
different finishes will break up the area and soften areas.
- There needs to be comfortable seating areas.
Services
- Heating is provided throughout by an electric under-floor system situated immediately under the
plywood floor finish on an insulating mat
- appliances can be positioned wherever you choose because the developer has allowed for services
hot water will be supplied by an electric immersion heater in the hot water tank situated
adjacent to the service duct at the entrance
- electric meters are on the outside of the building in the position shown on the drawings
refuse bins are in the car parking area as shown on the site plan.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE CLIENT
- How many months of the year are you away?

- When you entertain what is the average number of guests?

- Where do you like to sit to entertain?

- What entertaining takes place?

- is there any colours you like?

- Are there are particular pieces of art/ accessories that you would like featured in the design?

- Is there any colours/ styles you do not like?

- Any idea of budget?

- What is your deadline on the project?

- How important is the exterior to you?

- What will the garden be used for?

- Do you have any specific art you like?

- What music do you like and where do you listen to it?

- how much work equipment do you have to store?

- what kind of space to you like to work in. Do you like to work in different locations?

- Do you have a large amount of travel bags to store?

- Do ou eat alot of ready meals or cook with freshly prepared ingredients?

- Do you like to use a dishwasher?

- Do you like to hang the washing up outside?

BUBBLE DIAGRAMS
BUBBLE DIAGRAMS 2
PLAN 1

This plan shows the bedroom area in the front, a central ensuite dividing up the living Disadvantage of this plan
area at the back. - no door to the bathroom from the bedroom
In all the plans I have kept the bathroom small (small ensuite size) with a 786 shower - desk could feel in abit of a corridor
tray and some with pocket doors to save on space. I have ascertained that this is the - no dining table area
least important area that the client spends time in and so can afford to be the smallest - no sofa
space.

Advantages of this plan.

- an open bedroom area with the bed not blocking the light into the room.
- plenty of storage in the bedroom
- open space for a desk with light coming from both the bedroom window and back window
- allowed for more storage on the side of the bathroom.
- nice spacious kitchen area and living area that looks out to the garden.
- simple easy to maintain garden with decking and planters
PLAN 2

This plan shows the bedroom area in the front again with a wooden decorative dividing Disadvantage of this plan
off the sleeping area from the living area.
- desk could feel in abit of a corridor
Advantages of this plan. - wasted corridor space
- an open bedroom area with lots of light. The bed could be a divan with storage - no table
underneath. - no sofa
- space for a wall hung desk the other side of the bed. - seating area further away from observing birds
- centrally spaced bathroom
good zoned areas with space
quite alot of options for storage
easy to maintain garden
- more privacy for client with decking sitting area at front of garden
PLAN 3

This plan shows the bedroom area in the front,the central living dining area together Disadvantage of this plan
and the bathroom located by the front door with kitchen behind. - will the storage system make the bedroom feel more cramped.
- coats/ shoe utility storage would need to be kept in the side of the storage
Advantages of this plan. nearest to the door of the bedroom.
- lots of storage in the bedroom - washing machine, dryer in dining area
- cosy bedroom feel - bedroom not so separate from living area
an open sitting area with sofa and chair leading into dining area with space for a - more to maintain in terms of garden furniture
table - less privacy with location of table and chairs centrally located in the
- corner kitchen area mostly contained together garden
- centrally located bathroom
- centrally located seating and eating area in garden with more coverage of direct light
throughout the day and near to water feature and wildlife
ELEVATION OF PLAN 3

This elevation shows the exterior and interior of plan 3.

I have drawn the storage with the cupboard doors open so some of the layout can be
seen. It is very rough and quickly drawn.
PLAN 4

This plan shows the bedroom area in the middle enclosed in a box with storage on 2 sides Disadvantage of this plan
and the bathroom on the other. The living area is divided up between the front and - less intimate bedroom
kitchen in the back with eating area. - bedroom located right next to the kitchen
Advantages of this plan. - outside table and chairs located outside at the back of the garden where
- lots of storage in the kitchen dining area there is less privacy from the neighbours
- cosy bedroom feel - does fold down desk feel too hunched up in this area
- an open sitting area with sofa and chair leading into dining area with space for a - should bar top area be included right by the bed?
table
- centrally located bathroom area
- extra storage/guest bed in sitting areaa
- TV lounge area in space where good light for most of the day
- outside table and chairs located ner to wildlife
- easy to maintain garden
PLAN 5

This plan shows the kitchen/dining area in the front,the central living dining area to- Disadvantage of this plan
gether and the bathroom located by the front door with kitchen behind. - will the storage system make the bedroom feel more cramped?
- coats/ shoe utility storage would need to be kept in the side of the storage
Advantages of this plan. nearest to the door of the bedroom.
- lots of storage in the bedroom - washing machine, dryer in dining area
- cosy bedroom feel - bedroom not so separate from living area
- an open sitting area with sofa and chair leading into dining area with space for a - more to maintain in terms of garden furniture
table - sofa and TV is in the bedroom so cannot really entertain guests there
- corner kitchen area mostly contained together - if wanting to entertain outside then the guest would have to walk through the
- centrally located bathroom bedroom to get there.
- lots of good daylight all day - not a good place to bring bins through
- a cosy intimate area for eating - table and chairs outside can be overlooked by neighbours
- like relaxed feel of the garden with centrally located table and chairs water
features
CONCLUSION
Interior Exterior
It is important to have lots of storage and a feeling of space in the house where there is I need to give more thought to this.
room for the client to spread out and work or relax. There needs to be space for bins.
I am trying to decide if it is best to have seating at the back where the
As discussed above I have kept the bathroom small as I think this is the least sun will be for most of the day or better at the front of the garden where
important space. there is more shade and more privacy.

I have included a kingsize bed but this could be made smaller to a double if I have been
over generous with space here.Even though Jake spends alot of time away it is always nice
to come back to a comfortable bed where sleep is important.
I have tried to work with plans using the minimal amount of fold down furniture as although
it is innovative, I still think there is more space than first appears here to be creative
with. The fold down options will also limit the decor used and perhaps not be so high end
looking in finish.
I will incorporate more fold away furniture such as from “The Resource” range if my plans
do need to be more innovative in terms of storage solutions. I have tried to look for
English alternative manufacturers to “Resource” but could not find much.
In terms of working could the client be flexible so he has a fold down desk area with
storage but perhaps if he needs to spread out, he takes his work to the table/bar area?
As the client likes to entertain I thought it was a nice option to have more
seating outside, particularly if space is tight inside.
I am wondering about having an enclosed trellis seating area that could have
swing hanging chairs, and hanging bird feeders. Would this be too much work
to maintain?
I am trying to decide between a garden with just green plants, grasses and
bushes or to make more slightly English in feel. I could also plant with
the holly, elder and hawthorn bushes, green plants and grasses, and easy to
maintain perennials, incorporating pops of colour, such as Echinacea, aliums
and herbs.
I need to check- are the hawthorn bushes etc on his land or behind his
boundary? I might have misunderstood the brief here?

Decor- as the client is in his thirties it is important to keep a modern

contemporary feel. I have kept it to an earthy natural feel becaue of his job as an
earthquake engineer and dealing with nature on a global scale. I have ascertained that he
would not want to have an earthquake feel in the home as well as work so have not based my
ideas on this. The feel could be made even more modern again to reflect his girlfreinds and
his interests in urban life, electronic music etc with bighter pops of colour in the acces-
sories, art and kitchen units.

Lighting- I have only generally thought about this in terms of the windows so far and will
look further at where to put lighting once I have decided on my plan.

Doors at back- I think I will probably choose the sliding doors so more of the outside can
be distinguished from the inside but have yet to finalise this.

Guests- how important is it for a guest bed if the client is not even spending much time
there themselves?

Sketches and elevations- many more of these to do.