We were invited last week to view the latest project by award-winning developers McKinley Spaces. From the road, 5 Elvaston Mews in South Kensington looks like a typical London mews house, but step inside, and you find that inventive solutions have doubled the 1,800 sq ft interior into a staggering 3,650 sq ft of space.

Used as a commercial garage since the 1960s, the house now comprises four levels, including a garage with a sophisticated stacker system for two cars, two double bedrooms, two singles which can be converted into a third double bedroom, three bathrooms, two large living spaces, and two terraces. A three-story atrium, glass floors, skylights and balconies enable natural light to filter through the property giving an overwhelming feeling of light and space.

Steel and glass stairs connect to glass landings on the ground, first and second floors, which, with strategically placed glass landings, allows light to filter down through the property. The circular pneumatic lift provides access to all levels. The table is by Benchmark Furniture.

Mews houses never have outside space, so McKinley Spaces have brought the outside in with a double height green living wall, dramatic waterfall and pool complete with stepping stones on the lower ground floor.

Off the master bedroom suite on the first floor, an exterior terrace with its glass floor, allows light to pour down into the lower ground floor.

The terrace on the top floor has a clever retractable glass roof.

The master bedroom en-suite bathroom has bespoke William Garvey cabinetry and a striking Japanese inspired ‘Geo’ teak bath.

Along the hallway LED lighting illuminates its space and leads down to a large bespoke concrete staircase.

The garage has a sophisticated stacker system for two cars.

Daphne McKinley founded  her design practice McKinley Spaces in 2009.  This Elvaston Mews project was awarded a prize by the International Property Awards 2013. www.mckinleyspaces.com

Photography (except garage shot): Paul Raeside