Tufnell Park, London
2025
The traditional facade of this double-fronted Victorian villa in Tufnell Park hides a radical reworking of the interior to create a family home, following the conversion of the property into two flats, which left few of the original features intact.
A new top- and side-lit, triple-height void space introduces natural light to the rear of the property and houses a floating slot-blast metal and oak stair, linking the garden to all levels. A secondary folded shot-blast metal stair, which incorporates a desk, leads to the top-floor master bedroom and private terrace.
A hint of what the interior holds is suggested by the new kitchen side extension, which replaced a garage on the site. Seamless glass panels separate the extension from the villa. It is constructed from minimally detailed matching brickwork and sits on a base of stacked salvaged roofing slates, and features a projecting glass box providing a family seating area overlooking the rear garden. The kitchen worktop extends beyond the glass in concrete, forming a birdbath to the front elevation.
Panels of polished and textured concrete flooring are used inside and out to resolve the different levels and seamlessly bring together the garden and living spaces.
With the use of sliding and pivoting wall panels, the plan of the living spaces can be opened up or closed down to provide open spaces and intimate private areas.
The garden is planted with native species to encourage wildlife and pollinators. Solar panels and heat pump technology combine with rainwater harvesting to add to the environmental credentials of the house.
