Modern Concrete and Oak Interiors in a Victorian House Designed by David Adjaye
Behind the traditional stock-brick facade of a Victorian terrace house in Islington’s Arlington Square conservation area lies a unique two-bedroom home designed by Sir David Adjaye in 2001.
The contemporary intervention in this Victorian property, called Swarovski House, transformed the interior spaces into modern wonders, featuring double-height ceilings, raw concrete, and oak.
This is one of the earliest designs by Sir David Adjaye, in which he plays with volume and natural light, creating half levels with unexpected openings that provide views to other spaces, all connected by a beautiful timber staircase.
Stairs on the ground floor level descend to the double-height open-plan kitchen and living space on the lower ground floor.
The space features a concrete plinth topped by vertically laid oak cladding.
Extensive glazing and a glass door connect this space with the outdoors and also let in plenty of natural light.
The kitchen features matching oak cabinets and countertops with a double sink and integrated appliances.
A skylight lets in even more natural light in the kitchen area.
At the back of the house lies a flagstone-laid garden with concrete steps and benches.
The lower ground floor is completed with a bedroom featuring a sash window with shutters and soft pink walls. The entire lower ground floor is covered with a pale blue resin floor.
Entry to the house is through this ground-floor reception room, which retains its Victorian proportions and the original sash window with shutters.
A beautiful timber staircase leads you to the house’s first floor.
In the master bedroom, the Victorian heritage is evident through a pair of four-over-four sash windows, original floorboards, and a stone hearth.
Built-in wardrobes add plenty of storage to the bedroom.
The bathroom lies opposite the master bedroom, featuring a new walk-in rain-style shower, a freestanding bath by Inbani, and a pair of wash basins.
The voluminous room features several large windows that draw light from above and offer a view of a tree.
A plywood staircase leads you to the upper floor, which is completely clad in plywood.
The plywood top floor is now used as a combined music room and home office (hidden behind plywood doors). This floor also gives access to a roof terrace.
The paneled front door is set in a moulded door surround surmounted with a recessed triangular pediment.
The house is listed for £1,650,000 at The Modern House.