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Studio McW Transforms London Victorian Terrace into a Chic Entertainer’s Haven

In the heart of south-west London, local architecture studio Studio McW has completed a striking renovation and extension of a Victorian terrace, crafting a home designed specifically for social gatherings and family life. The residence, named Sobremesa after the Spanish tradition of lingering at the table after a meal, was commissioned by Charlie and Joshua Karlsen, founders of luxury catering company Opus 11. The Karlsen’s vision for the house was clear: a space primed for hosting, where friends and family could seamlessly gather, dine, and relax in style.

From Bedsits to a Unified Home

Previously divided into three separate bedsit flats, the home was transformed into a single, cohesive dwelling through a series of carefully considered side, rear, and attic extensions. This structural reorganisation allowed Studio McW to open up the ground floor into expansive entertaining spaces, strategically connecting the interiors with a courtyard and garden to maximize light and flow.

“The spatial organisation of the house was conceived to serve both the rhythms of everyday family life and the clients’ passion for entertaining,” said Greg Walton, studio director at McW. “The layout gently choreographs movement through the home: guests are welcomed directly into the reception area, perfect for drinks and conversation, before stepping down into a generous dining space framed by two courtyards that filter in soft, dappled light from above.”

A Skylit, Open-Plan Heart

The heart of the home is a seamless, open-plan entertaining space anchored by a marble kitchen island and a skylit dining area. Varied floor finishes subtly mark transitions between spaces: warm oak floors define the front lounge and reception, polished concrete runs through the dining zone, and the paved flooring flows into the rear patio, creating a sense of continuity between interior and exterior.

The kitchen itself is a study in elegance and functionality. A large marble island defines the cooking zone, while bench seating along the side extension offers a relaxed spot beneath a timber-framed skylight. The island is mirrored by a dramatic marble splashback set within a curved alcove and complemented by bespoke oak joinery crafted by Idle Furniture. Timber-framed glass doors lead seamlessly to the hard-landscaped garden, where a curved brick wall hugs a small planter and concrete bench, extending the home’s sculptural language outdoors.

Design Inspirations and Architectural Details

Studio McW drew inspiration from a combination of historical and contemporary sources. The curved brick form of the extension references Gunnar Asplund and Erik Lewerentz’s architectural work, evoking a feeling of spaces carved rather than constructed. Victorian archways and plaster details from the original home subtly informed the extensions’ arches and curves, preserving the residence’s heritage while introducing a modern sensibility.

The first floor houses the main bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, a TV room, and an en-suite bedroom. The attic conversion adds two further en-suite guest bedrooms. Across these private areas, the interiors continue the ground floor’s natural and textured palette, with lime-plastered walls in soft cream and dusky pink, complemented by marble and terracotta-tiled bathrooms.

A Home for Entertaining and Everyday Life

Sobremesa is more than a beautifully designed home; it is a choreographed experience, balancing everyday living with the owners’ love for hospitality. From its fluid circulation and light-filled courtyards to the sculptural forms of the extensions and the tactile elegance of materials, the house offers a welcoming, luxurious backdrop for gatherings, meals, and quiet family moments alike.

Previous residential projects by Studio McW include bespoke stone and timber-clad additions to a large 18th-century home in Cambridgeshire and a London extension featuring intricate timber joinery. With Sobremesa, the practice continues its tradition of combining refined materiality, spatial intelligence, and playful yet sophisticated detailing to craft homes that are as beautiful as they are functional.

Dezeen’s top five houses of August 2025 showcase a fascinating array of contemporary architectural approaches from across the globe, spanning Australia, Sweden, Belgium, and Italy. This month’s selection highlights creative renovations, sensitive site interventions, and bold designs that fuse tradition with modernity. Each project demonstrates how architects are responding to context, lifestyle, and the natural environment while delivering innovative homes that captivate both residents and visitors alike.

Omloop Farmhouse, Belgium – Hé!
In Belgium, architecture studio Hé! reimagined a traditional Flemish farmhouse by inserting a glazed timber and metal volume into the roof. This new upper-level living space not only maximizes natural light but also strengthens the home’s connection with the surrounding hilly landscape. The renovation emphasizes a more compact, efficient internal layout, bringing a contemporary layer of comfort and functionality to a historic building. By subtly blending modern materials with traditional forms, Hé! has created a home that celebrates both heritage and innovative design.

Mygunyah by the Circus, Melbourne, Australia – Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
In Melbourne, Australian studio Matt Gibson Architecture + Design transformed a 19th-century terraced house in North Fitzroy into a dynamic family home named Mygunyah by the Circus. The project involved adding two contrasting brick extensions informed by Arts and Crafts architectural traditions. These additions expand the long, narrow home to accommodate a seven-member family while creating a harmonious dialogue between the original structure and contemporary interventions. The result is a carefully composed blend of historical character and functional modern living.

Birdwood, Brisbane, Australia – Peter Besley
At the base of Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane, architect Peter Besley wrapped a house in a combination of perforated reclaimed terracotta brick and metal mesh designed to support climbing plants. Named Birdwood, the residence caters to a multi-generational family seeking a home that allows them to age in place comfortably. The layered façade not only provides privacy and shade but also encourages interaction with the garden and local environment. Besley’s design demonstrates how thoughtful material choices and spatial planning can foster a sustainable, family-oriented living experience.

Horsö, Kalmar, Sweden – Bross and Nick Flygt
In the Swedish woodland of Kalmar, the minimalist summer house Horsö by Bross and Nick Flygt is a study in restraint and harmony with nature. Finished in untreated wood, the home blends seamlessly into its forested surroundings while offering expansive views from carefully positioned openings. The architects designed the structure to have a low-key presence, ensuring that the building coexists unobtrusively with the landscape. This project exemplifies a quiet, contemplative approach to architecture, where simplicity and material honesty enhance the relationship between occupants and nature.

Patio House, Sicily, Italy – Solum
On a coastal site in Sicily, Italian studio Solum designed the Patio House with a series of monolithic volumes connected by a narrow, winding alleyway that serves as the entrance. The home’s spatial choreography contrasts “labyrinthine” interior spaces with dramatic, open views of the sea, creating an experiential journey from enclosed to expansive. Solum’s design balances privacy, intimacy, and spectacle, offering a compelling example of how architecture can respond creatively to both the physical context and the poetic possibilities of a coastal setting.

Together, these five homes highlight a diverse spectrum of contemporary design thinking, from playful material experiments to minimalist retreats, from family-oriented renovations to site-responsive coastal living. Each project demonstrates a unique architectural voice while showing how modern homes can be both functional and inspirational, deeply rooted in their environments yet forward-looking in design.