A complete renovation of a Victorian terrace in a north London conservation area. The wedge-shaped plan and difficult boundary junctions made parts of the footprint awkward to use. We introduced a lightwell as a small walled garden within the plan, bringing greenery and a different quality of light into the living space. Limewashed walls pick up that light softly. A tight budget also shaped the sequence of work: plumbing pipework was prepared so fittings could be installed at a later stage.