Ottilie House

: Roehampton/Putney

Ottilie House was designed by our director, Matthew Withers, as a home for his own family. The project began with a dilapidated 1920s social house in urgent need of care. The building had mould on the walls, no proper heating beyond a few old fireplaces, and outdated, unsafe electrics. Its layout followed the traditional “two up, two down” format, offering little in terms of flow, light, or functionality.

Matthew purchased the property because he saw its potential to become something exceptional. The design brief was developed in collaboration with his family and discussed with the studio team. The ambition was to completely open up the ground floor, creating a sense of generosity and flow—enhancing both the spatial quality and day-to-day usability of the home. A key feature of the interior design is the way the space responds to both natural and artificial light, from day through to night. Large openings allow sunlight to flood the interiors throughout the day, while carefully integrated coffers and recessed details conceal lighting within the form—casting a warm, cosy glow in the evenings. Another defining element is the variation in ceiling volumes and heights, which brings a sense of rhythm and identity to different areas of the home. For example, a full-width rooflight visually separates the kitchen and dining space, while the dining room ceiling rises to 3 metres—higher than the adjacent kitchen at 2.7 metres—creating a subtle spatial hierarchy and sense of occasion.