A refined, contemporary house for a gallerist, an artist and their family is the result of a masterful reimagining of a tricky plot in North London, courtesy of architecture practice Platform 5. The architects, headed by Patrick Michell and Claire McKeown, were called upon by the couple when the latter decided to transform a tight triangular infill site (a scrap of land previously used as parking for a builder's yard) into their family home.
The architects worked closely with their client in creating a building that negotiates the plot's several restrictions - for example, in terms of planning and the rights of neighbouring properties, as well as practical constraints such as the site's odd shape and its slim street facing facade.
The new build structure is a concrete construction, which has been clad in grey brick, echoing the wider neighbourhood's character, while bringing an unmistakable contemporary note to the streetscape. The architects cleverly created a stepped structure to ensure the volumes sit comfortably within their context; so the house appears like a slim two storey building from the street, but the rear reveals cascading forms on different levels.
Inside, the house spans three comfortable levels. The ground floor hosts the main living spaces, such as the living room, kitchen and dinning area, as well as a snug and entrance hall. A flight of stairs down leads to the master suite with its own bathroom and wardrobe, as well as a study and utility room. The top floor contains a further three bedrooms.
The interior's streamlined aesthetic and careful detailing were a big part of the design development - just as important as the conception of the external volume composition. ‘There were many construction challenges for the team such as achieving high levels of airtightness with exposed blockwork walls and how to conceal services with an exposed concrete ceiling and limited areas of drylining,' the architects explain.
INFORMATION
-
Watches & Wonders 2025: preview Richemont’s latest innovations, on show at the Geneva watch fairDiscover eight enticing timepieces from the luxury group, showcased this week at the Geneva fair
-
Masters of midcentury modern design and their creations spotlighted in new book‘Mid-Century Modern Designers’ is a new book from Phaidon celebrating those who shaped the period and their notable creations, from furniture to objects
-
Drafting nine international artists, Gucci’s ‘90 x 90’ project transforms its silk scarf into a creative canvasPart of Gucci’s ‘The Art of Silk’ initiative, the project sees nine artists riff on the Italian fashion house’s most memorable motifs, from lush depictions of flora and fauna to its signature horsebit
-
Are Derwent London's new lounges the future of workspace?Property developer Derwent London’s new lounges – created for tenants of its offices – work harder to promote community and connection for their users
-
Showing off its gargoyles and curves, The Gradel Quadrangles opens in OxfordThe Gradel Quadrangles, designed by David Kohn Architects, brings a touch of playfulness to Oxford through a modern interpretation of historical architecture
-
A Norfolk bungalow has been transformed through a deft sculptural remodellingNorth Sea East Wood is the radical overhaul of a Norfolk bungalow, designed to open up the property to sea and garden views
-
A new concrete extension opens up this Stoke Newington house to its gardenArchitects Bindloss Dawes' concrete extension has brought a considered material palette to this elegant Victorian family house
-
A former garage is transformed into a compact but multifunctional spaceA multifunctional, compact house by Francesco Pierazzi is created through a unique spatial arrangement in the heart of the Surrey countryside
-
A 1960s North London townhouse deftly makes the transition to the 21st CenturyThanks to a sensitive redesign by Studio Hagen Hall, this midcentury gem in Hampstead is now a sustainable powerhouse.
-
Manchester United and Foster + Partners to build a new stadium: ‘Arguably the largest public space in the world’The football club will spend £2 billion on the ambitious project, which co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has described as the ‘world's greatest football stadium’
-
An architect’s own home offers a refined and leafy retreat from its East London surroundingsStudioshaw has completed a courtyard house in amongst a cluster of traditional terraced houses, harnessing the sun and plenty of greenery to bolster privacy and warmth
