Midcentury and Japanese Influences in a Sustainable London New Build

The House at Seam is a newly built three-bedroom home located within the St Mark’s Conservation Area in Dalston. Access is via a narrow path beside the church, an arrival sequence that separates the property from the surrounding streets and introduces a sense of privacy unusual for such a central location.

A gate opens to the first of three outdoor spaces: a front courtyard designed for planting and screening. This layered approach to entry establishes both security and a gradual transition from public to domestic space.

Arranged laterally across approximately 170 sq m, the house adopts a plan more commonly associated with mid-century domestic design, prioritising clarity of movement and shared living areas.

The main living space is defined by a sunken seating area and extensive glazing above and to the rear. Bi-fold doors connect directly to a large courtyard, allowing daylight to reach deep into the interior and enabling cross-ventilation during warmer months.

Sustainability informed the construction from the outset. Porotherm clay blocks were selected for their thermal efficiency and vapour permeability, reducing reliance on additional insulation systems while improving environmental performance.

A centrally positioned dining area links the living and kitchen zones, reinforcing the home’s focus on everyday functionality.

The kitchen was developed by Artform’s interior collaborators, Scenesmith, in partnership with Leicht, the carbon-neutral German manufacturer. The design, titled ‘Kyoto’, references Japanese minimalism through clean lines and a controlled use of colour.

A tiled island forms the visual centrepiece, finished with a chestnut-flecked terrazzo worktop. Siemens appliances are fully integrated, and a brass Quooker tap provides instant hot water.

A separate utility room and additional storage are positioned just off the kitchen to maintain visual order in the main space.

The principal bedroom is located at the front of the house and includes a walk-in wardrobe and en suite shower room. Glazed double doors open onto a private courtyard, creating a direct relationship between the bedroom and outdoor space.

Two further bedrooms, each with built-in storage, are arranged along the plan, alongside a family bathroom and separate WC. Finishes throughout are consistent, reflecting Artform’s emphasis on durability, craftsmanship, and restrained material choices.