In the heart of London‘s Stoke Newington, within the serene embrace of the Lordship Park conservation area, a Victorian home has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. What was once a neglected property, marred by historical damage, has been reborn as a luminous, contemporary family haven, thanks to the vision of Bindloss Dawes and the passionate collaboration of its owners, Emma Dahlman and Nick Illston.
This wasn’t merely a renovation; it was a dialogue between past and present, a careful orchestration of textures, materials, and light. The studio’s initial brief, to address significant structural issues stemming from bomb damage and subsidence, became the catalyst for a truly transformative project. Instead of simply patching the wounds, Bindloss Dawes introduced a bold, architectural intervention: a cruciform reinforced concrete structure, a robust backbone that not only stabilized the rear wall but also became the defining element of the new extension.
This concrete heart, as the studio describes it, acts as the “central nervous system” of the home, dictating the flow of space and connecting the interior to the lush expanse of Clissold Park beyond. The result is a seamless transition between the traditional Victorian facade and the striking, monolithic concrete extension, a juxtaposition that reveals surprising and delightful contrasts.
The rear facade, now punctuated by expansive brick apertures, opens onto a stepped patio of suspended concrete and brick, blurring the line between inside and out. Buff-toned Wienerberger bricks, meticulously chosen, echo the original Victorian fabric, ensuring a sense of continuity and heritage. This subtle nod to the past is crucial in preserving the character of the conservation area while introducing a distinctly contemporary language.
Emma Dahlman, with her keen eye for design, played an integral role in shaping the project, particularly in the selection of materials. Her desire to create a warm, inviting space, inspired by the brutalist aesthetics of Sri Lanka and the mid-century modernism of Los Angeles, led to a dynamic interplay of timber and concrete. This fusion, layered with her own softer Nordic palette, imbues the home with a sense of both strength and serenity.
The Reform kitchen, a central hub for family life, exemplifies this approach. Here, the raw beauty of concrete is softened by the warmth of natural timber, creating a space that is both functional and inviting. The high thermal mass of the concrete ensures year-round comfort, maintaining warmth in the winter and providing natural cooling in the summer.
In the core living areas, the exposed timber roof structure adds a layer of tactile warmth, filtering light onto the walls and creating a “cocoon-like” atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. The carefully curated material palette, featuring natural oak and unlacquered brassware, is designed to age gracefully, developing a rich patina over time.
The bedrooms and bathrooms continue this theme of muted textural tonality, providing a calm backdrop for timber joinery and soft furnishings. The dining space, furnished with Carl Hansen table and chairs and Frama shelving units, showcases the seamless integration of architecture and interior design.
Even the garden, a vital extension of the living space, reflects the project’s material rigour. The verdant landscape provides a soft contrast to the stone and concrete patio, creating an informal entertaining area perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Lordship Park House is more than just a renovation; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative potential of thoughtful design. Bindloss Dawes, working closely with Emma and Nick, have created a home that is both distinguished and dynamic, a space that honours its past while embracing the present. It stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of blending eras, and the creation of a truly bespoke, deeply personal home.