Glam Riverside Villa Revival
Hammersmith, London
‘A bold reimagining of listed architecture, sustainable design, craftsmanship and cinematic glamour.’
VERITY WOOLF, FOUNDER
Sustainable Design for a Listed Family Home
An innovative and environmentally conscious client approached WOOLF Studio with a clear ambition: to transform a remarkable listed property into a sophisticated family home that honoured its architectural heritage while embracing contemporary living. Sustainability, longevity and inclusivity sat at the heart of the brief, alongside a desire to create interiors rich in personality, narrative and craftsmanship.
From the outset, the project sought to demonstrate how a historic building could evolve without compromising its character. Working closely with the client, WOOLF Studio developed a comprehensive design strategy focused on environmental responsibility, energy performance and enduring quality. Heating and cooling systems were integrated throughout the property. Carefully selected natural materials, local trades and specialist artisans helped minimise environmental impact and support regional expertise. The project successfully achieved WOOLF Studio's ambitious 80% net-zero objectives through carefully considered interventions.
Heritage Renovation & Listed Building Expertise
As accredited specialists in Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, WOOLF Studio brought extensive experience in navigating the complexities of heritage renovation. Every decision was guided by a respect for the original architecture, balancing conservation with carefully considered innovation. Subtle architectural interventions, including enhancements to the salon balcony and kitchen-conservatory connection, improved functionality while respecting the building's historic character.
Glam Coco Zulu: A Narrative-Led Interior Concept
The interiors reflect WOOLF Studio's approach to a storytelling through design. Influenced by the client's admiration for Coco Chanel and a personal connection to Zulu culture, the scheme became known as Glam Coco Zulu — a richly layered narrative expressed through texture, materiality and collected objects. Drawing upon WOOLF Studio's background in film and television design, each room was conceived with a cinematic quality, creating an immersive sequence of spaces that reveal themselves gradually.
Designing for Family Life & Accessibility
For our auspicious client, family life was central to the design brief. The reconfigured layout encourages connection across generations, creating spaces that effortlessly accommodate both intimate family moments and larger gatherings. A disability-accessible steam room, linked directly to the garden room, ensuring that all members of the family are able to enjoy time in the garden.
Bespoke Furniture & Specialist Collaborations
Throughout the home, antique, vintage and contemporary pieces are brought together in a carefully curated dialogue between past and present. Vintage wall lights sourced from Alfie’s Antiques sit comfortably alongside sculptural lighting from Apparatus and Atelier Lighting, while rare decorative pieces sourced through 1stDibs introduce a sense of individuality and provenance. These collected elements contribute authenticity and support a circular approach to sourcing, extending the life of exceptional design objects.
Bespoke furniture and specialist collaborations play a defining role throughout the project. Custom-designed pieces created in collaboration with Lara Bohinc, including a bespoke sofa and console, introduce sculptural elegance and artistic expression. Luxurious seating from Flexform and Cassina provides comfort and refinement, while custom statement chaises by Jonathan Adler add touches of playful glamour. The dining room centres around an exceptional bespoke dining table by Rupert Bevan, paired with handcrafted dining chairs by Fred Rigby, creating a setting designed equally for celebration and everyday family life.
A Kitchen at the Heart of the Home
At the heart of the home, a bespoke Roundhouse kitchen combines architectural precision with practical functionality. Designed as a social hub for family gatherings, the space balances detail and performance while remaining sensitive to the character of the listed building. Throughout the bathrooms and wellness spaces, elegant sanitaryware and fittings by Gessi provide a consistent level of quality and sophistication.
Materials, Textiles & Craftsmanship
WOOLF Studio's bespoke design team developed a series of custom elements specifically for the project, including handcrafted rugs, bespoke tables, commissioned artwork and architectural joinery. These tailored interventions ensure every space feels unique to the property and its owners, creating a cohesive design language that responds directly to the building's architecture and the client's lifestyle.
Textiles and wallcoverings were selected with equal care, contributing warmth, depth and visual richness throughout the interiors. Luxurious fabrics and wallpapers sourced from Pierre Frey, Nobilis, Dedar, Arte, Colefax and Fowler, Lewis & Wood, Altfield, Eva Sonaike and Lelievre introduce layers of texture and pattern while complementing the building's historic detailing. Together, these materials create interiors that feel sophisticated and tactile.
Contemporary Living Within a Historic Setting
This Glam Riverside Villa Revival is a bold reimagining of a listed building, transformed into a deeply personal contemporary family home that balances historic character with modern living.
Glam Coco Zulu is both elegant and expressive — a confident celebration of sustainable design, heritage restoration and contemporary innovation. Rich in character and designed around the lives of the family who inhabit it, the project demonstrates how listed buildings can be sensitively reimagined for modern living while retaining the beauty, history and spirit that make them extraordinary.
