Meticulously detailed London mews house unveiled by Ampuero Yutronic
Market Mews, a London mews house, is a hymn to modern minimalism, executed with precision and skill to make the most of a tight site in the heart of the capital
Whether it’s a grand townhouse or a modest London mews house, Mayfair conceals its architectural secrets behind well-preserved historic façades – which have, today, almost all been given over to private accommodation. Market Mews is one such structure, a new-build house replacing a post-war building located in one of the cobbled backstreets that were once the working heart of what has long been London’s most sought-after residential district.
A radically overhauled London mews house
Designed by London- and Chile-based architecture and design studio Ampuero Yutronic, the radically overhauled mews house is a rich evocation of late 20th-century minimalist architecture, filtered through modern sensibilities and desires for simplicity, sustainability and ease of use. Whereas the trailblazers of architectural minimalism were ascetic at the very least and almost monastic at times, the Market Mews house is nothing if not luxurious.
That’s not just down to the location. Intended as both a ‘calm retreat’ and a place to entertain extended family, the house is hemmed in by three surrounding properties. The north-facing mews façade is the only new external architectural expression, and the requirements of the local Conservation Area meant that a sympathetic and restrained approach was needed.
The façade ‘takes its cues from the historic residential typologies of central London’, the architects say, adding that it also creates a ‘distinct identity/appearance through pared-back detailing and use of materials’. A mix of large-scale reconstituted limestone panels on the ground floor and slender limestone-coloured ‘roman’-style bricks and lime mortar on the floors above gives the house a solidity and sense of history. The upper level is a more traditional mansard roof, set back behind the parapet.
Inside, the house is arranged around a series of large light wells that bring natural daylight down into the heart of the enclosed plan, which spans five storeys. Using both rooflights and high-level south-facing windows, the architects have created a dreamy interior landscape of abstract forms, minimal joinery and stonework and sculptural light fittings.
From the entrance, one becomes immediately aware of this cascading internal light feature, as illumination from the three-storey-high lightwell at the rear of the house is felt on every level. The first floor is a formal open-plan living and dining area, in common with the traditional ‘piano nobile’. Joinery is bespoke and integral to the architectural structure and flow of the house.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the wooden staircase that winds through the heart of the house. The thick balustrades and risers are made with meticulous craftsmanship, also demonstrated by the free-standing stone bathtub in the primary bedroom suite. Exposed concrete walls are also deployed for additional texture on the basement stair, which leads down to the cinema room and a top-lit multi-use space.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
‘A key objective for the client was to live in a tranquil atmosphere that feels clean, light and spacious but is also suitably robust, as required in a family home,’ say Javier Ampuero Ernst and Catalina Yutronic. ‘The predominant use of wood, stone and polished marble plaster, combined with simple detailing, contributes to the achieve an overall calmness and understated elegance.’
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.
-
Boffi and Zaha Hadid Design’s new Cove Kitchen, an Italian island dream
The newly updated Cove Kitchen is conceived as a modular hub of creation and conviviality
By Simon Mills Published
-
How Amy Sall is highlighting the beauty of African cinema
Amy Sall is highlighting the cultural impact of African filmmakers with ‘The African Gaze: Photography, Cinema and Power’, published by Thames & Hudson
By Marris Adikwu Published
-
Postcard from Helsinki Design Week 2024
The Finns lead the way when it comes to integrating design into everyday life, as they deftly demonstrate during Helsinki Design Week 2024
By Hugo Macdonald Published
-
What to visit during London Open House 2024? We asked the experts
Lost in choice? London Open House 2024 is as exciting as it is expansive. We asked some of our friends, all experts in their architectural field, for their tips on what to visit at this year's event
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Thames Distillers raises our spirits with its new home and bar in London
Fords bar at Thames Distillers' new home is a future London classic, designed by Transit Studio; we raise a toast to the gin maker
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024: meet the practices
In the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2024, our latest guide to exciting, emerging practices from around the world, 20 young studios show off their projects and passion
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Beacon House’s pink extension brightens up a Victorian London home refresh
A pink extension in north London is part of the Beacon House project by Office S&M – the dramatic refresh of a Victorian home
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
Brown Urbanism's little triangle house is an ingenious urban infill
Emerging UK studio Brown Urbanism is part of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Kasawoo's Greek red cabin retreat is perfect for minimalist escapes
The Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2024 welcomes Kasawoo, a young UK practice that draws on a new minimalist approach
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Tilde House brings a listed London home up to contemporary, sustainable standards
Tilde House by Neil Dusheiko Architects blends Victorian elegance, sustainability and contemporary flair in north London’s historic Canonbury area
By Léa Teuscher Published
-
A walk through The Brentford Project, a lesser-known west London neighbourhood
The Brentford Project in west London completes its first phase, offering modern residences, a wealth of public space and waterfront living
By Ellie Stathaki Published