London-based studio Hayhurst and Co has ingeniously revitalized a Hampstead townhouse, infusing modern elements into its classic 1970s architecture. Originally designed by architects Igal Yawetz and Howard Radley, the building now boasts an impressive triple-height void.
Innovative Design in a Hampstead Townhouse
This architectural feat involved preserving the building’s original five-story facade while introducing a small, timber roof extension that complements the timber window frames. “The project focused on meticulous modernist restoration externally, but the real architectural potential lay within,” co-founder Nick Hayhurst mentioned.
The transformative interior features a 7.8-meter-high void, achieved by removing parts of the existing floor plates. This strategic change links the lower ground, ground, and first floors, converting what was once a low-ceilinged garage into a spacious, double-height dining area, with the kitchen just steps away. This is a striking example of a successful home renovation that melds function and aesthetic.
The transformation of this Hampstead townhouse echoes the innovative design approach in Espacio Aguacate’s multifunctional masterpiece in Madrid, demonstrating creative renovations with a central joinery focus.
The dining room, distinguished by its timber ceiling and mirrored walls, draws inspiration from Adolf Loos’ American Bar. Its design not only amplifies daylight but also acoustically softens the space.
Beyond the dining area, the first story hosts the living room, followed by the main bedroom on the second story, and additional bedrooms and a bathroom on the third. The original staircase, crafted into a circular shape, now features a new curved landing and has been enhanced with timber lining.
The house incorporates five staircase styles. A robust marble stair connects the main entrance to the dining area, while wooden steps unify the kitchen and dining zones. An airy staircase ascends through the central void, ensuring natural light permeates each level.
The design maintains several original details, such as distinctive window handles, and reused tiles from the former bathroom are used creatively within the new interiors. New windows align with the original proportions, and the soffits, rendered in pink, add a contemporary touch.
The renovation includes modern amenities like an air-source heat pump, underfloor heating, and double-glazed oak-framed windows, staying true to the firm’s ethos of material innovation and sustainability. Hayhurst remarked on their “material hacks” approach throughout the retrofit.
For more on inventive use of timber and sustainability, explore Heatherwick Studio’s celestial creation in Saudi Arabia, blending materiality with celestial inspiration.
Founded in 2004 by Nick Hayhurst and Jonathan Nicholls, Hayhurst and Co specializes in varied projects, from residential to public spaces, emphasizing materiality and site-specificity. Their portfolio includes innovative spaces like the Green House and Edith Neville Primary School.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the main feature of the Hampstead townhouse renovation?
The main feature of the Hampstead townhouse renovation is the impressive triple-height void, which links the lower ground, ground, and first floors. This was achieved by removing parts of the existing floor plates and transforming a low-ceilinged garage into a spacious, double-height dining area.
How does the dining area differ from its original design?
The dining area now features a timber ceiling and mirrored walls, drawing inspiration from Adolf Loos’ American Bar. The design amplifies daylight and acoustically softens the space, making it strikingly different from the original low-ceilinged garage.
What sustainable features are included in the renovation?
The renovation includes modern amenities like an air-source heat pump, underfloor heating, and double-glazed oak-framed windows. These additions are consistent with Hayhurst and Co’s ethos of material innovation and sustainability.