Less than 12 feet wide and over 65 feet long on the inside, the challenge of this renovation was ensuring that all three storeys received plenty of natural daylight and felt well-integrated with each other.

To achieve this, the design strategy revolved around the introduction of a three storey atrium at the centre of the plan, topped by operable skylights. The atrium opening is lined with a custom white oak screen, which also serves as a stair guard between the ground and second floors. Populated with a playful arrangement of translucent spherical glass lights, the atrium provides passive ventilation and a connectivity in the house which was completely absent in the original. Pale Loire limestone on the ground floor reflects  light and makes the narrow space feel larger and more voluminous. Maple flooring on the upper two floors continues the light-toned palette.

All of the existing windows were replaced with bronze-anodized framed double-glazing, providing a rich, dark complement to the rest of the materials, and helping to keep the house well-knit in with its context.