In residential architecture space is everything. This is particularly true in busy cities like London where there is such a high demand for it but limited availability. With this in mind designs need to optimise the spaces that are available, ensuring they are useful, inhabitable and not wasted.

There are a number of ways that the use of space can be optimised in a residential property. Bespoke fitted furnishings are particularly popular in this regard because they can be designed to suit the specific dimensions of a room. They can also be designed to fit in areas that would otherwise be underused or completely wasted.

One of the biggest issues in properties with limited space is the stairs. They require a surprising amount of space to allow people to move between floors. Space is lost on each level and they can completely take over a room as a result. In narrow homes with spatial limitations this can be a huge problem.

There are a number of projects that look at innovative ways to overcome the problem of stairs. In many of them relocating the stairways can work really well.

One such project in North London saw the transformation of a terraced house to increase the space. The stairway was relocated to a separate three storey void created in an angled corner of the property. It made great use of the unusual space and freed up the other living areas.

In our own projects we have encountered issues with the placement of stairs and the amount of space they can consume. It is great to see other architects coming up with innovative solutions that preserve living space. We can learn from these and use them when we are called on to design residential architecture that optimises spaces.

At Coffey Architects we have a real passion for our work. This is what has helped us become one of the most celebrated companies who design residential architecture in London. You can see several of our projects on our website and get in touch with us if you have any questions about maximising spaces.