rjha architects - Priory Walk, Chelsea

Concept

Located within the Boltons Conservation Area in Chelsea, Priory House reinterprets the traditional townhouse.

A retained stucco façade conceals a complete reconstruction behind, allowing a contemporary spatial arrangement within the constraints of a sensitive historic setting. The project resolves the tension between conservation and modern living, delivering a new house embedded within the historic street scene.

Planning & Constraints

The site is governed by Conservation and Article 4 Direction restrictions, requiring the preservation of the existing façade.
These constraints establish a clear threshold and the historic frontage masks a radically reconfigured interior.

Spatial Strategy

The ground floor is conceived as a continuous volume extending from entrance to garden. This creates a strong visual axis through the house opening up views of the garden from the front door
A sculptural helical stair anchors the plan, organising vertical movement while maintaining visual continuity across the space.
Full height glazing to the rear draws light deep into the plan and strengthens the relationship with the garden.

Light & Basement Design

The basement extends beneath the garden, increasing the usable floor area by approximately 20 percent.
A large walk on rooflight introduces daylight into the lower ground floor, allowing it to function as primary living space rather than ancillary accommodation. The result is a series of light filled spaces with comfortable environmental conditions.

Material Language

The interior is defined by a restrained and precise material palette. Bespoke joinery and highly polished finishes reference the precision of superyacht interiors, while maintaining a calm architectural clarity. A brass clad rear extension contrasts with the retained façade and expresses the transition between old and new. A statement kitchen formed from book matched Jurassic Onyx provides a focal point within the open plan space.