Entertaining space

In the newly excavated basement level of a six-storey Georgian townhouse in London, we were asked by Prestige Architects to craft extensive panelling, fitted furniture and a polished timber ceiling to create a traditional games room and entertaining space. The project was inspired by an atmospheric interior space in Martha’s Vineyard that the homeowner wanted to recreate the feel of at home.

A notable aspect of this commission involved using the client’s personal stock of Afzelia Africana timber. We prepared samples to determine the ideal finish, staining and detailing, culminating in a lustrous, hand-applied traditional shellac and wax finish that showcased the wood’s natural grain.

Bespoke timber panelling

The bespoke joinery and cabinetry created by William Garvey for the project included traditional floor to ceiling panelling for every wall, decorative ceiling moulding with backlit bespoke Tiffany stained glass panels, a central ceiling panel for the snooker table lighting, a credenza wet bar, fireplace surround, and integrated shelving and storage solutions.

Some of the timber panels required for the space were substantial and larger than standard traditional panelling. To achieve the desired scale, we engineered these larger panels by applying a thinner layer of timber on a rigid aluminium honeycomb core for them to remain stable and effectively mitigate any natural movement.

Decorative detail

Our team of skilled craftspeople created extensive decorative mouldings for every surface and a central fireplace surround with a large scale Bolection moulding, all from the homeowner’s timber. The fireplace was designed to house a toffee brown marble inset and hearth, with a large timber wall section above to accommodate a unique slab of natural Quartzite.

As the games room features a championship snooker table, our team added concealed cupboards for snooker cue storage and an antique snooker scoreboard. An additional cupboard conceals a dartboard and storage. For one corner, we built-in a traditional credenza-style wet bar with marble worktops, recessed sink and glass shelving above for glasses and bottles.

Crafting ambitious designs

The resulting spacious and welcoming room presents an interesting contrast to the home’s otherwise crisp, contemporary aesthetic, creating a unique entertainment area that will delight for generations.

Our technical skills and approach, combined with our ability to collaborate with specialist suppliers and the main contractor Walter Lilly, allowed us to fulfil the client’s ambitious design, a challenge other companies had deemed unfeasible. Our confidence in delivering this intricate work was a key factor in securing the commission.