Mosley Thorold has ingeniously revitalized a London townhouse by repositioning a staircase to become the backbone of the entire design. This victorian townhouse transformed into a modern marvel is located in De Beauvoir Town, spanning 2,900 square feet and rebuilt with a focus on enhancing light and space.
Victorian Townhouse Transformed: Unlocking Flow with Strategic Staircase Design
The original layout was hindered by a poorly placed staircase that interrupted the flow between rooms. By removing a ground-floor study and repositioning the staircase, Mosley Thorold transformed the victorian townhouse by creating a void that draws light into the home’s darkest corners. This strategic positioning offers a visual line from the entrance through a graceful sash window, directly towards the garden.
Experience Journey and Transition
The staircase serves as a central spatial device, guiding visitors through the home. The descent is marked by a sequence of reveals, from double-height sash windows to a top-lit corridor. Each level unveils new dimensions, culminating in the lower ground extension of the victorian townhouse transformed.
Main Spaces and Their Purpose
Changes in floor levels helped reshape the lower ground floor. By lowering areas like the kitchen and dining room by 600 millimeters, the design enhanced ceiling height and improved zoning between areas. The kitchen becomes an anchor for social life, featuring a custom dining table crafted with input from the clients, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
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Upstairs: A Harmonious Private Refuge
The upper levels organize into a hierarchy of private spaces, including a principal suite with a skylit ensuite, a bespoke vanity from reclaimed materials, and a dressing room along the stairwell. Diffused lighting enhances the serene atmosphere, emphasizing the textures of the interiors.
Reclaimed Materials: A Nod to History
The use of reclaimed elements like 17th-century Italian shutters and 19th-century cement tiles fosters warmth and continuity. Each piece, from bricks to wood, serves not merely as salvage but as a material history adapted for present-day living. Mosley Thorold collaborated with specialized craftsmen to accomplish the precise transformation of the victorian townhouse.
Precision manifests in the boardmarked concrete facade of the kitchen, where carefully selected timber boards and custom formwork created a seamless, textured surface.
Garden and Sustainability
Outside, a tranquil English garden, crafted with landscaper Sophie Gordon, contrasts the bold exterior elements. A natural swimming pool, free from chemical treatments, embodies the eco-friendly ethos of the house. Features like air source heat pumps and solar panels augment the property’s energy efficiency.
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Completing the Journey
The bespoke sauna and outdoor changing room, with a rough stone facade, conclude the home’s design narrative. This project by Mosley Thorold exemplifies how thoughtful design and sustainable practices can breathe new life into historic spaces.
A detail worth noting is the central staircase—a newer addition that wasn’t part of the original plan, showcasing the innovation that defines this striking renovation.
“De Beauvoir Townhouse” by Mosley Thorold in London demonstrates how a victorian townhouse transformed through contemporary design can seamlessly blend with historical integrity, emphasizing craftsmanship and sustainability.
Source: urdesignmag.com
Frequently asked questions
How did Mosley Thorold enhance light in the townhouse?
Mosley Thorold enhanced light in the townhouse by repositioning the staircase to create a void that draws light into the home’s darkest corners. This strategic positioning offers a visual line from the entrance through a graceful sash window, directly towards the garden.
What sustainable features are included in the townhouse?
The townhouse includes features like a natural swimming pool, free from chemical treatments, as well as air source heat pumps and solar panels to augment the property’s energy efficiency.
What role does the staircase play in the townhouse design?
The staircase serves as a central spatial device, guiding visitors through the home. It marks a sequence of reveals, from double-height sash windows to a top-lit corridor, unveiling new dimensions on each level.