Project: Islington Maisonette
Architects: Larissa Johnston Architects
Location: London, UK
Area: 1,087 sq ft
Photographs by: Rory Gardiner
Islington Maisonette by Larissa Johnston Architects
The Islington Maisonette project is a renovation work of a Victorian home. The owners of the existing dwelling approached Larissa Johnston Architects with a desire to transform their dark Victorian interior into a comfortable, whitewashed space that is intimately connected to the rear garden. To satisfy their wishes, the architects had to reconfigure the entire home layout. The bedrooms were moved on the upper level, opening plenty of space on the ground floor which they used to create an open floor plan living space. Furthermore, the ground floor received a glazed extension that connects it to the courtyard.
Located in a conservation area in Islington, this Victorian maisonette has been reconfigured and extended, to convert a previously dark, segmented property into a light, spacious and modern family home.
One of the key issues prior to the alteration’s, was that the living spaces lacked any connection with the rear external courtyard. To address this, the bedrooms have been moved to the more private upper level while the kitchen, living and dining areas are relocated to the lower level to enjoy a direct relationship with the courtyard garden. The property has been extended to the rear and large glazed sliding doors and a continuous floor surface ensure a seamless relationship between internal and external space.
The lower level is open plan to maximise the sense of spaciousness. Inserted within the large space is a compact and efficient plywood ‘box’ which incorporates a fitted kitchen, staircase, storage, and a study space. A utility room and cloakroom are neatly tucked beneath the stairs.
Natural materials comprising timber, plywood, stainless steel, polished concrete and white plaster are used throughout. The restrained nature of the material palette complements the simplicity of the spaces.
The white rendered facade of the extension provides continuity with the internal white plaster. It also responds to the existing context of adjacent houses which have retained their original white rendered base below the brickwork.
