Client: Private clients.

Brief: Having lived on this 1900 Thames grain barge for over 10 years the clients required a total re-design of their home, from its internal spaces to the furniture, to make it more efficient and appropriate to the way they lived.

Method: The individual characteristics of the boat were retained and the interior and all of the furniture were re-designed to create a contemporary living environment that did not conform to notions of traditional boat interiors. The usable floor space was made more efficient and awareness of the external environment was heightened through the lighting and fixtures specified.

Following a complete measured survey the space was re-planned to allow for new heating, lighting and servicing systems. The rooms were arranged either side of a central corridor (on top of the keelson), placing a new library and study area in the bow, and an integrated kitchen, dining and lounge area to the stern.

Each area was carefully zoned in order to give it a sense of character, activity and space. A raised seating area and feature wall were incorporated into the lounge to reflect the aesthetic qualities of the hull of the boat with gently swaying lighting to draw attention to the movement of the vessel. A new skylight was constructed above this area which can slide open and expose the interior to the sky above.

Completion date: August 2000.

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