Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House

Half Moon House

Modern classic doer upper

Half Moon House

Modern classic doer upper

Our clients approached us having recently purchased a Victorian terraced house in Dulwich in need of some serious TLC. Derelict but full of original charm, the house offered generous proportions, ornate cornicing and original marble fireplaces. This creative young couple wanted a home to grow into and the brief was to transform this neglected structure into a spacious place to unwind—and to host lively gatherings—celebrating the building’s heritage whilst introducing a modern classic feel to the interiors.

The ground floor living spaces were too compartmentalised and the connection between the interior and the garden was compromised by an excessively low ceiling to the existing three storey closet wing. We added a full width rear extension and sank the new snug into a ‘conversation-pit’ arrangement, allowing the space to align naturally with the garden and reconnect the hallway to daylight. This move unlocked a fluid, open-plan living area anchored by a beautiful handcrafted West & Reid kitchen and framed by arched Crittall doors opening onto the garden. Additional bedrooms were provided by a full width dormer extension at roof level and the house was renovated throughout. In keeping with our clients passion for design and sense of fun, each room expresses its own personality, breathing life back into this old house.

Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House

In the initial stages, our client produced a rough sketch of the arches, our brief; to transform that vision into a reality!

Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House

In opening up the back of the house, we faced the design challenge of varying floor levels and ceiling heights. Creating a sunken snug allowed us to accommodate a bathroom above while preserving the openness of the social space and maintaining a seamless flow through to the garden.

“We met a handful of architects; SSMB were the ones who could see past the dampness and darkness of a property that hadn’t been lived in for years, and made us most excited about what the house could become.” 

Charlie – Client
Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House
Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House

We paired the exposed original brick wall with beautiful oak kitchen cabinetry and stainless steel elements—including the island, worktops, and splashback—to create a space that feels both elegant and hardworking, perfect for cooking and entertaining.

Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House

The north facing rooms to the ground floor were dark and there was a lack of connection to the garden. We replaced the existing lean-to roof with glazing which floods the new kitchen with natural light.

Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House

Our client had a strong concept for every space, and we had great fun realising the glow-up for the downstairs loo

Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House

Transitioning from traditional to contemporary, the house unfolds toward the garden through a series of interconnected spaces that can also be closed off when needed.

“Alex came alongside us from the very first visit and concepts right through to the end. We benefitted from the support of the wider SSMB team at various points, but having an experienced, trusted and creative point of contact throughout reduced stress for us. – I learned so much from them in the process! Would highly recommend working with them, whatever your appetite for involvement – and especially if you have an ambitious transformation in mind!”  

Charlie – Client
Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House

The concept for this glorious family bathroom was simply ‘sunny’—and it certainly delivers. We introduced panelled joinery to provide generous storage while neatly concealing the service runs behind.

Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House
Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House

The client wanted a luxe feel for their ensuite. A beautiful salvaged cabinet come wash-stand forms the centre piece.

Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House
Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House

The principal suite from bedroom, to dressing room, to ensuite.

“How do I choose my favourite bit!? The top floor doesn’t feel like a loft conversion or an afterthought; it’s bright and calm and a design triumph in its own right. The walk through the principal suite is like having a mini holiday every morning. And (of course) I love the way the house now unfolds from traditional front rooms to airy, dreamy social space.”   

Charlie – Client
Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House

We designed built in joinery throughout the house.

Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House
Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House

In the Jungle bathroom, a sense of drama was introduced by removing the existing ceiling and opening up to the rafters. The clients choice of marble tiles and sanitaryware helps to introduce a sense of luxury

Smith & Brooke — Half Moon House

Credits and References

Collaborators

  • Contractor: Greater Space Extensions Ltd
  • Kitchen:: West and Reid
  • Kitchen Island: MPM Engineering Services
  • Photography: Chris Snook Photography