London artists’ house by Mitchell + Corti Architects pays homage to midcentury design

A London artists' house has been transformed with new additions, new materials and a fresh approach to light, space and plan

Artists' House, London by Mitchell + Corti Architects
(Image credit: Lorenzo Zandri)

Mitchell + Corti Architects has transformed an artists' house in an existing London terrace into a contemporary studio workspace as well as a family home. Working for Louise de Lima, a painter, and her partner Nivaldo, a craft leatherworker and furniture maker, the architects have transformed the interiors to better suit the couple’s live-work lifestyle. 

Artists' House, London by Mitchell + Corti Architects

(Image credit: Lorenzo Zandri)

Artists’ house by Mitchell + Corti Architects

This is a project about reuse, adaptation and evolution. The house has been extended using timber elements, with the same hardwood sapele used throughout for windows, doors, cladding and joinery. Everything was built off-site, including the new stained bamboo kitchen, and then delivered in one go to minimise waste. Oak floors and lime plaster walls are used as a counterpoint to the sapele, with other sections of walls lined with cork. 

Kitchen at Artists' House, London by Mitchell + Corti Architects

(Image credit: Lorenzo Zandri)

Louise de Lima’s studio is now located in the loft, with high ceilings going up to the joists and a new array of openable windows on the garden façade. This floor also incorporates a dedicated home office area, while the leather workshop has been relocated to the end of the garden. Both artists have works displayed around the house, from paintings to leather coverings and bespoke furnishings, and the refurbishment maximises the amount of wall space available for hanging.  

Kitchen with objects on shelves at Artists' House, London by Mitchell + Corti Architects

(Image credit: Lorenzo Zandri)

The house also contains three double bedrooms, one of which is en-suite, as well as a separate bathroom and large living areas. ‘We were asked to develop a design that honoured the principles of midcentury modern architecture: clean lines, simple detailing, practicality, connection between indoors and outdoors, large openings and natural materials,’ the architects write.  

Living room at Artists' House, London by Mitchell + Corti Architects

(Image credit: Lorenzo Zandri)

The end result reads as a coherent hole, despite the myriad additions, enhancements and upgrades. The unifying use of hardwood, inside and out, is combined with the strict proportional relationship between the new fenestration on the top floor and on the ground floor extension and the existing windows. 

Studio workspace at Artists' House, London by Mitchell + Corti Architects

(Image credit: Lorenzo Zandri)

The strictly ordered palette extends to other materials and specification, from the lighting to the switches. Clever planning, especially in the new roof extension, enables space for painting, office work and art storage, with an unfinished chipboard floor that will pick up patina and wear as time goes on. 

Loft studio at Artists' House, London by Mitchell + Corti Architects

(Image credit: Lorenzo Zandri)

‘The design of the spaces and plan allows for flexibility of use, encourages primary reliance on natural light and passive ventilation,’ the architects say. ‘As a modern take on midcentury architecture, the home honours principles of connectivity with the outdoors.’ 

Stairway with hung artwork at Artists' House, London by Mitchell + Corti Architects

(Image credit: Lorenzo Zandri)

Bathroom at Artists' House, London by Mitchell + Corti Architects

(Image credit: Lorenzo Zandri)

MitchellandCorti.com

LouisedeLima.com

NivaldoandLouisedeLima.com

TOPICS

Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.

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