Studio 163 Architects recently completed a remarkable renovation and extension project on Falkland Road. The project transformed a three-storey terrace in Kentish Town Conservation Area into a spacious, light-filled family home.
The project, which was completed in 2022, addressed the challenges of limited daylight, head height, storage, and living space. The design approach focused on maximizing natural light, creating different atmospheres, and using a limited and natural material palette to achieve a minimal yet warm interior.
Design Approach and Concept
When Studio 163 Architects was approached by the clients, the goal was to reimagine the narrow ground floor of their home. The clients were a couple with a design background and two young children.
The solution involved a full-width rear extension and a comprehensive refurbishment of the entire house. By excavating the rear extension to increase ceiling height and creating a change of level between the front living room and the kitchen/dining area, the architects were able to enhance the sense of space and light.
Maximizing Natural Light
One of the key objectives of the project was to maximize natural light throughout the home. This was achieved by incorporating two expansive roof lights in the new large open-plan kitchen and dining area.
These roof lights not only flood the space with natural light but also offer framed views of the garden. Additionally, fins were added to one of the roof lights for privacy and to allow the clients to enjoy the changing shadows throughout the day.
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Material Palette and Interior Design
The material palette for the project was deliberately limited and natural to create a minimal, yet tonal and warm interior.
The continuous concrete floor runs from the living space to the patio, forming planters that make the space feel more expansive. The original level of the house is expressed by a beige polished concrete datum line, which adds a unique design element to the interior.
Custom-Built Joinery
Custom-built joinery was designed throughout the house to provide ample storage while maintaining a clean and open feel.
The kitchen cabinets and fronts are built in oak, continuing the design language of the oak threshold that marks the junction between the existing and the new parts of the ground floor. Full-height cupboards were purposely cladded in a more neutral color to blend seamlessly with their surroundings.
Exterior Design and Sustainability
Externally, the project emphasized the reuse of existing materials wherever possible. Reclaimed bricks and timber were used for the walls and patio deck, aligning with the sustainable design approach.
The glazed doors are particularly tall to bring as much natural light as possible into the interior, and their minimal frames provide a stronger connection to the garden. The coping and rainwater pipe were bespoke, matching the color of the window frames, and the existing rear facade was re-rendered and left unpainted to match the natural buff color of the surrounding London stock bricks.
Creating a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection
The design of the rear extension and patio deck was focused on creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
The continuous concrete floor extends from the living space to the patio, forming planters that enhance the sense of space. The tall glazed doors and minimal frames further strengthen this connection, allowing the clients to enjoy the garden from the comfort of their home.
Project Highlights
- Year of Completion: 2022
- Lead Architects: Lea Grange
- Manufacturers: Havwoods, Inglish Hall, Lazenby
- Location: Kentish Town Conservation Area
- Design Focus: Maximizing natural light, creating different atmospheres, and using a limited material palette
Client-Centric Design
The clients, a couple with a design background and two young children, played a significant role in shaping the design of their home. Their input and feedback were integral to the project’s success, ensuring that the final design met their needs and preferences.
The result is a home that not only addresses the practical challenges of space and light but also reflects the clients’ personal style and taste.
Conclusion
The Falkland Road project by Studio 163 Architects is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and careful planning.
By addressing the challenges of limited daylight, head height, storage, and living space, the architects were able to transform a narrow, three-storey terrace into a spacious and light-filled family home.
The use of a limited and natural material palette, combined with custom-built joinery and sustainable design practices, has resulted in a home that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
For more details on this project, you can visit the ArchDaily article.
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