The Highbury Flat project by Architecture for London offers a compelling lesson in how thoughtful refurbishment can radically redefine the character and performance of a traditional London dwelling. Situated on Beresford Road in Islington N5, the architects were tasked with transforming a neglected period interior into a warm, healthy, and sophisticated contemporary home. The core of the client’s brief revolved around achieving refined finishes and adhering to a muted colour palette, while heavily prioritising the use of natural materials.
The architectural strategy began by re-evaluating the internal geometry. The new plan dramatically improves circulation by orienting the key living spaces off a newly introduced central spine wall. This conceptual anchor, which was a feature established early in the client process, provides a clear, logical flow through the apartment, essential for modern design. The sensory experience is enhanced by the chosen material palette, which features stone, timber, and smooth lime plaster throughout the home.
Materiality finds its best expression in the kitchen and joinery details, which demonstrate a commitment to bespoke joinery. The cabinetry is constructed from marine plywood with an ash veneer, finished with two coats of a subtle Forrest green Rubio WoodCream. This element provides a hint of colour against the neutral backdrop. The surrounding worktop and backsplash in Caesarstone Misty Carrera maintain the clean lines and polished aesthetic of the space.
In the living area, the relationship with the exterior was entirely re-envisioned. A larger opening was introduced to the terrace, ensuring more natural light penetrates deep into the heart of the room. The transition is marked by a honed and filled Grigio Perla stone step from GD Stones, presenting a deliberate and enticing invitation to the outdoor space. Internally, a contemporary solid oak door and frame are meticulously painted to match the surrounding lime plaster walls, preserving the visual continuity of the surface finish.
Throughout the apartment, the doors themselves become sculptural elements. The bespoke internal pivot doors are finished in a rich, oiled oiled sapele veneer on a solid core timber. This dark, tactile wood contrasts beautifully with the pale walls. Hardware choices, such as the solid sapele handles or the Izé Max Bill stainless steel knobs, reflect an attention to minute detail that defines high-quality design. The loft conversion also yields a stunning new bathroom featuring dramatic Rosso Asiago marble for the floor and bath, set against traditional, seamless Tadelakt walls and ceiling.
Crucially, the Highbury Flat serves as a model for urban sustainability and comfort. The refurbishment incorporates comprehensive internal insulation, using breathable wood fibre on most walls and targeted aerogel to the north-facing wall and dormers. The high-performance glazing package includes triple-glazed sash replacement windows by Eksalta, ensuring maximum thermal efficiency. Combined with a heat recovery system (MVHR), these measures guarantee the property is a low-energy home, perfectly balancing aesthetic design with superior environmental performance.