House for a Stationer
Subscribe now to instantly view this image
Subscribe to the Architects’ Journal (AJ) for instant access to the AJ Buildings Library, an online database of nearly 2,000 exemplar buildings in photographs, plans, elevations and details.
Already a subscriber? Sign in
Christian Brailey Download Original
A reconfiguration and extension of a home in north London.
This is the home of a boutique stationer and a graphic designer. The reconfigured and extended home flips the original bed and living rooms, creating a series of connected spaces for improved daylight and views.
The new kitchen, dining and study spaces are informally defined by exposed oak posts and beams, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the lower ground floor plan.
Soaped timber bounces soft light around the house, enhancing the layered internal partitions. Framed views are created between the spaces and direct the eye towards the lush green backdrop outside.
The orthogonal grid continues throughout the property with bricks in a variety of bonds externally, and square tiles with contrasting colour grout lines to the kitchen and bathroom. This contemporary, geometric approach is contrasted with refurbished traditional details on the upper floor. The skirting boards were painted to match the walls for a harmonised finish. The depth of the rear extension was defined by an existing upstairs neighbour’s stair. Peterson bricks, akin to the tone of whitewashed London stock, cover the rear as it tucks underneath the stair.
Fluted glass reduces the impact of this stair when viewed from the new study. The home was completed for a modest budget but with significant benefits for the clients. This is a home that highly complements the considered and detailed approach that the clients bring to their work. They put significant energy into decorating and sourcing discounted fixtures, allowing the budget to be pushed to the maximum.
Data
- Begun: Jan 2018
- Completed: May 2018
- Floor area: 91m2
- Sector: Residential
- Total cost: £130,000
- Funding: Private
- Tender date: Nov 2017
- Procurement: Home Owners Contract
- Address: London, N1, United Kingdom
Professional Team
- Architect: Architecture For London
- Client: Private
- Structural engineer: Constant Structural Design ltd
- Quantity Surveyor : David Parker
- Planning consultant: Architecture For London
- Main contractor: Tomasz Zmelty Building Ltd
- Party Wall Surveyor: Landrock Phillips