FLOW architecture renovates victorian apartment in london with sculpted wooden interiors

FLOW architecture, working alongside MAGRITS, has completed the ‘light falls’ project, an extensive redevelopment of a victorian terraced house. located in the london borough of kensington, the project includes the almost complete demolition and reconstruction of the existing dwelling and the addition of a basement and a double-height rear-extension, resulting in sculptural interiors that wrap the spaces in a warm, wooden finish. 

all images by NAARO

the redesign — completed by FLOW architecture and MAGRITS (maria grazia savito architects) — features an entirely new organization that revolves around an interior courtyard that acts as a focal point for the living spaces. with its sculptural treatment, the vertical void opens stunning visual connections within the house, bringing new daylight into the dwelling’s darkest areas. the result is a strong atmospheric connection with the outdoors, with the sun casting ever-changing hues on the white-washed walls. 

the architects had an ambition to create a contemporary project that challenged the traditional way of living in the historical housing stock. hesitant with the compartmentalized victorian layout, the owners wanted to maximize the fluidity of the vertically stacked living spaces and create a new home for their growing contemporary art collection. 

the house is set within the abingdon conservation area, which limited the designers with a number of restrictions. its external appearance was to be largely preserved, so the approach was to creatively turn the constraints into strategies. the team concentrated the design features towards the core of the building. the design of the garden was also approached with some freedom, as a green folly that extends the indoor aesthetic towards the outdoors.

the courtyard’s visual effects were enhanced with a series of vertical cuts amplifying the effect of the cross-views throughout the living spaces. the staircase was set similarly, with an encased configuration that opens completely towards the bottom section to organize the sequence of the entertainment areas. at the rear, the dining room continues the motif, with a direct visual link towards the garden through the light-weight glass extension. 

project info:

name: light falls
location: kensington, london
type: residential renovation
architecture: FLOW architecture with MAGRITS
structure: structure mode
MEP: SGA consulting
lighting design: mindseye
AV consultant: openfield technology
quantity surveyor: BTP group
contractor shell & core: london basement
contractor fit-out: michael brady
photography: NAARO