St Albans Bungalow

This renovation and conversion transformed a dated 1960s bungalow in St Albans into a light-filled contemporary home designed around art, entertaining and long-term living.

Having decided to leave London, the couple worked with Cherry Architects before purchasing the property. Together, we identified the bungalow’s potential to become a spacious and characterful home without significantly increasing its footprint.

The design focused on completely reimagining the interior. By exposing the roof structure, we created a dramatic double-height living space at the centre of the house, bringing natural light deep into the plan and creating a gallery-like setting for our clients’ collection of African art, fashion and records.

The kitchen and living spaces were opened up to create a sociable environment for everyday life and entertaining, while large areas of glazing frame views across the surrounding landscape. Carefully integrated plywood joinery provides both storage and display space, helping the home feel calm and uncluttered.

A new principal bedroom suite occupies the upper level, creating a peaceful retreat separated from the family accommodation below.

The result is a contemporary St Albans home that feels bright, spacious and highly personal — designed for hosting family and friends today, while supporting the next stage of the couple’ lives.