Architect Madeleine Kivell’s reworking of her London home demonstrates how VELUX roof windows can create a ‘lightbox effect’, drawing daylight deep into the plan to support privacy, wellbeing and family life.
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In the leafy London borough of Richmond upon Thames, architect and founder of Sennen Studio Madeleine Kivell, has transformed her Edwardian home into a serene, light-filled family sanctuary – perfectly embodying the ethos of her newly established practice, Sennen Studio.
Established in 2023, Sennen Studio is rooted in Scandinavian design principles: simplicity, warmth, and functionality. Westwind, Kivell’s own residence, serves as both a personal and professional showcase, demonstrating how thoughtful design can elevate daily living.
The renovation of the semi-detached 1910s property was driven by Kivell’s desire to create a space that evolves with her young family’s changing needs. The result is a two-storey back extension and a carefully reconfigured ground-floor side return that balances togetherness with retreat – where every room serves a purpose while retaining beauty and warmth.
Central to this transformation is the use of natural light. “For me, daylight is like water or air,” says Kivell. A bank of VELUX roof windows sits above the open-plan kitchen, creating a bright, calm atmosphere that changes with the seasons. This ‘lightbox effect’ not only enhances wellbeing but also maintains privacy – essential in densely built London neighbourhoods.
Kivell’s intuitive planning is evident throughout the home. From the flow between fridge, pantry and prep space in the kitchen to the purposeful layout of rooms like the hobby space and utility area, the design supports the rhythms of everyday life. “The value of a good architect lies in their ability to use both knowledge and intuition,” she says.
Her Scandinavian heritage, and studies at the Royal Academy in Copenhagen, are deeply felt in the home’s aesthetic: clean lines, tactile materials, and a balance between old and new. Original timber floors were restored with care, while heritage details like a brick archway and quarry tiles were preserved and extended to honour the building’s history. The extension blends seamlessly with the existing structure, using matching brickwork and ridge tiles for a cohesive finish.
This respect for character is central to Kivell’s approach. “It’s not that buildings were better in the past – it’s that the ones with true quality lasted,” she reflects. “That’s the kind of value I try to bring to my designs.”
Westwind is more than a personal project – it’s a manifesto for Sennen Studio. A place where timeless design meets practical living, where architecture quietly supports life’s everyday rituals. It’s a space that doesn’t just look good in photographs – it works, and it lasts.
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