multifunctional creative agency DHaus company has completed a full refurbishment of a period property situated in north london, UK. using digital design as part of the fabrication process, the architects have transformed the pre-existing 2-bedroom maisonette into a spacious, bright triplex home.

north london triplex refurbishment explores digital fabrication 1

all images by richard chivers

 

 

the clients wanted to open up the existing property, and knock through as many existing walls as possible, to generate an open plan living environment. in addition, one of their main requests was for the design to allow natural sunlight to enter the house, brightening up the dark interior core. as a result, DHaus created a double-height space, with occupants entering the apartment through a giant frameless glass window that completely opens up to the sky. upon walking into the house, residents feel like they are on a ship floating on the clouds. 

north london triplex refurbishment explores digital fabrication 4

 

 

having been experimenting with digital fabrication for a while now, DHaus company wanted to test and incorporate automated CNC construction ideas in this project. thus, the architects have decided to install a digitally manufactured plywood staircase, sustainable, and perforated, that allows natural light to filter through the levels of the building.

north london triplex refurbishment explores digital fabrication 10

 

 

considering material efficiency, the project team worked with the fabricator to ensure that the staircase is cut from just two sheets of plywood, then assembled offsite before being installed. the design and construction of this digitally manufactured feature draws influence from the work of architect taro tsuruta. to execute such an adventurous design, the DHaus team has collaborated with materialise creative design. this group of experts specializes in high-end prototyping, utilizing equipment such as 5-axis cnc machines, thermo formers and laser cutters.

north london triplex refurbishment explores digital fabrication 8

 

 

north london triplex refurbishment explores digital fabrication 9

north london triplex refurbishment explores digital fabrication 6

north london triplex refurbishment explores digital fabrication 3

north london triplex refurbishment explores digital fabrication 2

north london triplex refurbishment explores digital fabrication 7

north london triplex refurbishment explores digital fabrication 11

north london triplex refurbishment explores digital fabrication 5

 

 

project info:

 

name: umfreville road
architecture office: DHaus company
CNC fabrication of joinery & kitchen: materialise creative design 
structural engineering: michael alexander engineers
location: london, UK

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom