For a client who yearned for a listed Georgian home but also wanted open-plan living spaces, a neo-Georgian house in Islington turned out to be the compromise that ticked all the boxes
Hamish Vincent Design and Architecture for London worked together for a second time to transform a rather unfashionable Georgian revival terraced house into a standout stylish home.
When the client first approached Hamish Vincent Design to help source their dream home in Islington, they were drawn to Georgian architecture, but they were advised that a typical listed Islington townhouse could present significant difficulties in achieving their desired internal open-plan layout. Instead, this non-listed property with an external facade inspired by Georgian townhouses offered the perfect solution.
Set in Canonbury conservation area, it is part of a terrace of nine houses rebuilt after the war. The client’s brief asked for an extension to allow for a larger living space on the ground floor with an open-plan kitchen, dining and reception area, and new WC. The clients were also passionate about natural materials, something that aligns with the ethos at both Hamish Vincent Design and Architecture for London.
The makeover features an arched doorway and cantilevered staircase that nod to the property’s Georgian (revival) style. The bespoke staircase with Douglas fir treads and stone detailing opens up a three-story void that is the anchor for the whole design.
A continuous material palette of lime plaster, marble, timber and brick unifies the interior spaces. On the first floor in the principal bedroom the ensuite is tucked into the sweeping outer curve of the staircase. Opposite is a second bedroom-cum-study.
On the second floor is a third bedroom and wet room, which were fitting in by re-working and dropping the levels from the ground floor up. This reworking also allowed a study to be snuck into the loft, with Velux windows in the existing roof slope. The floor levels throughout the house were adjusted to achieve acceptable ceiling heights on all floors while maintaining the existing roofline.
The result is a house transformed: from unfashionable fake to super-liveable biophilic home full of covetable curves.
Project details
Lead designer Hamish Vincent Design
Architects Architecture for London
Contractor Konrad General Building
Structural engineer Studio Jenk
Kitchen Sola Kitchens
Internal joinery Jaiden Savoury Carpentry
Tiles (throughout) Zia Tile
Kitchen floor Domus
Douglas fir flooring Oak Artisian
Marble (throughout) GMI stone
Sanitaryware Vola
Plaster Clayworks
Balustrade Handrail Creations
Hardware Corston Architectural
Postscript
All photos Leighton James
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