Sustainable rework of a Victorian home at Hartley House

Central to the redesign was the kitchen and dining area, the vibrant heart of the house. By opening the back of the property and borrowing space externally with a cantilevered bench framed by oversized sash windows, THISS Studio maximised light and visual connection to the garden. A significant discovery early in the process—a large void beneath the existing floor— became an opportunity. Rather than seeing it as a structural obstacle, THISS Studio embraced it, stepping down into the kitchen and gaining an extra metre of ceiling height, reinforcing the room’s sense of airiness and flow.

Material choices throughout Hartley House reflect a commitment to natural textures, sustainability, and visual warmth. Solus’ Earthstone Gitchfield tile was selected for its terracotta tones, continuing seamlessly from the interior kitchen floor onto the circular garden patio. Inside, subtle tonal shifts create playful rhythms that define spaces without enclosing them. Solus’ Sparkle Canavrel introduces bright, joyful accents, while Waveform’s Wav White tiles bring a subtle, tactile wave texture to key surfaces, adding depth and interest without overwhelming the simplicity of the scheme.

The kitchen cabinetry, handmade locally from FSC-certified pine timber, balances honest materiality with bespoke craftsmanship. A mint green floor-to-ceiling shelving unit injects a fresh burst of colour, and playful floral light fittings introduce moments of whimsy that resonate with the family’s lively spirit. To maximise the glazing area without resorting to expensive custom solutions, THISS Studio cleverly specified timber-framed sash windows, a costeffective choice that maintains the quality and character of the space.

Outside, THISS Studio’s eye for sculptural detailing shines through. A curved canopy, laser cut from recycled aluminium, projects gracefully over the south-facing windows, offering shade while introducing a dynamic, organic form that softens the building’s rectilinear lines. A smaller aluminium ledge beneath it serves as an informal table or seating spot, extending the indooroutdoor connection. 

Elsewhere, the previously misplaced kitchen at the front of the house has been reinstated as a restful living and study area, painted in butter yellow to create a calm, inviting space. A compact WC and utility room have been inserted off the central hallway, efficiently rationalising the floor plan without sacrificing style or generosity.

THISS Studio’s approach embodies sustainable thinking at its most creative. No new concrete was used, no new foundations poured; the emphasis instead lay on refining and adapting what was already there. Materials were chosen for their longevity, low impact and recyclability, from FSC-certified timbers to infinitely recyclable aluminium. The result is a home that feels abundant with light, comfort and character, without the environmental cost of overbuilding. 

“Building bigger does not always mean you’ll have a space with functionality and quality. We worked with our clients to understand what they really needed as a family, which was actually better, more usable space. In rethinking the home as a team, we have saved a huge amount of carbon and allowed our clients’ budget to be redirected into quality, more sustainable materials and fittings that means their home has a sense of beauty, and they will love being there for many years to come.” Sash Scott, Founder of THISS Studio