Spruce, Polished Concrete, and Terrazzo in an Architect-Designed London Home

On a wide infill plot on a Walthamstow street that once served as the village’s high street, this architect-designed house offers a thoughtful balance of modern construction and sensitivity to its surroundings.

Designed and owned by the founders of architectural firm ao-ft, the house combines sustainable materials with a layout that prioritizes natural light, flow, and everyday practicality.

The facade reflects the street’s history, with vertical timber battens and large windows loosely referencing a traditional shopfront.

The ground floor is arranged as a continuous open-plan space with clear sightlines from the front door to the lush garden. Spruce lines the walls and ceilings, while storage is built-in throughout.

The dining area sits at the back of the plan, featuring a built-in concrete bench and large windows opening onto the garden.

The kitchen features birch cabinetry, a stainless-steel worktop, and integrated appliances.

The entire ground floor features polished concrete flooring.

At the front of the ground floor plan, you will find a living area defined by a row of windows set above a concrete base.

A large picture window next to the sofa opens onto the garden, beautifully connecting the indoors with the outside.

The front door is discreetly set behind a timber screen.

A white, custom-made laser-cut steel staircase leads to the first floor, where there are two bedrooms with built-in joinery and shutters to create calm, uncluttered spaces.

One of the bedrooms features a built-in wardrobe with a large window, reflecting the light coming from the small window.

In the bathroom, spruce wood is paired with dark terrazzo.

The steel staircase ascends further, toward the top floor, punctuated by a large skylight.

The top floor is dedicated to the main bedroom suite. The space includes a full wall of wardrobes and a alrge window overlooking the garden.

The en-suite shower room, finished in the same gray terrazzo as the downstairs bathroom, is positioned behind a dividing wall.

The garden has been designed as a true extension of the living spaces. It features a mix of planting and seating areas.

Trees, jasmine, and evergreen shrubs provide structure and privacy thoughout the year.

At the rear of the plot, a separate studio mirrors the design palette of the main house. It is now used as ao-ft’s office space.

The house is listed for £1,500,000 at The Modern House.