oak posts connect spaces in an english maisonette by architecture for london

architecture for london’s subtle details and comforting design made its way into a designer duo’s home in north london. the project, made for a boutique stationer and graphic designer, extends a maisonette that had previously been converted from an early victorian house and turns it into a light and open space, filled with natural materials and warm light.

the architects reconfigured the spaces and flipped the original bedroom with the living room, 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. the natural wood also adds warm elements to the house, linking it with the outside nature.

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 color grout lines to the kitchen and bathroom. 

the contemporary, geometric approach contrasts the refurbished traditional details on the upper floor. the skirting boards were painted to match the walls for a harmonized 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. other materials in the area include fluted glass, which reduces the impact of this stair when viewed from the new study.

the home was completed for a modest budget yet guided completely by the client’s lifestyle. the home highly complements the considered and detailed approach that the owners bring to their own work. the clients put significant energy into decorating and sourcing fixtures, optimizing the design.

project info:

architecture firm: architecture for london

project architect: matt mckenna

location: halliford street, islington n1, london

photography: christian brailey

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: cristina gomez | designboom