Architecture practice THISS Studio has breathed new life into a Victorian terraced house in Waltham Forest, North East London, transforming the once dark and cramped ground floor into a bright and inviting family haven. Through a creative reconfiguration of the existing floor plan, the studio has crafted a beloved, bespoke home without the need for an extension. This project demonstrates that unlocking the potential of the space we already have can be just as impactful as expanding, all while significantly reducing carbon footprint.
Initially, the client sought a design for a side return extension, but THISS Studio took a fresh approach, focusing on the client’s core requirements: a spacious family kitchen, a seamless connection to the garden, and additional workspace for when the children are at school. The result is a unique, sculptural environment that is not only functional but also playful and fun, perfectly tailored to the family’s lifestyle.
THISS Studio skillfully guided their clients to recognize the potential within the existing floor area, emphasizing the benefits of utilizing the current structure to enhance usable space. By focusing on the original building, the architects successfully sidestepped the need for a carbon-heavy and expensive extension. This innovative approach not only preserved resources but also freed up the client’s budget for exquisite finishes and furnishings that reflect their unique style, significantly elevating the design value of the project.
The studio’s solution involved transforming the rear of the house, seamlessly integrating the outdoors by adding a cantilevered dining bench framed by three expansive sash windows. This design choice allowed natural light to flood the open-plan kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, THISS Studio crafted a bespoke kitchen, handmade locally from FSC-certified pine timber, which serves as the heart of the home. The kitchen diner exudes a sense of openness and authenticity, further enhanced by the impressive ceiling height above.
During the early stages of the project, THISS Studio uncovered a substantial void beneath the floor. Embracing the philosophy of working with the building’s existing structure, the architects capitalized on this newfound space. They created a level threshold leading to the garden and a stepped entrance into the kitchen. By removing the floor, they were able to increase the ceiling height by an additional meter, further amplifying the sense of spaciousness and light within the home.
THISS Studio has skillfully blended natural materials, using warm shades of wood, terracotta, and soft cream acoustic wall panels made from recycled paper. A custom mint green shelving unit that reaches the ceiling makes the room feel larger, while playful floral light fixtures add a fun touch that showcases the family’s lively spirit. The design thoughtfully connects the inside with the garden, creating a balanced living area. The terracotta tiled floor flows smoothly into a circular garden patio, perfect for outdoor relaxation. Inside, a subtle change in tile colors completes the circular design, affectionately called the ‘disco ball patio.’ This smart design not only looks great but also maintains a flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
In the kitchen, meticulously crafted Douglas fir timber frame glazing floods the space with natural light and provides unobstructed views of the garden. Below, a sun-drenched built-in bench seat serves as a perfect gathering spot for family and friends, becoming a social hub within the home. To achieve an expansive area of glazing economically, THISS Studio opted for sash windows in timber frames, offering a practical solution for creating large, openable spaces that invite the outdoors in.
A gracefully curved aluminum canopy extends outward from the corner of the building, a striking bespoke feature crafted from 6mm recycled aluminum. This elegant structure is meticulously laser cut and positioned above the south-facing windows, offering both shade and protection from the elements for the Douglas fir windows below. Its organic form injects a sense of character and whimsy into the design, harmonizing beautifully with the vertical lines of the rear elevation. Below, a smaller aluminum ledge playfully mirrors this sculptural element, serving as a functional seat or table.
The ground floor has also seen significant renovations, transforming the previous kitchen—once situated at the front of the home in what was originally a sitting room—back into its intended purpose. This space has been lovingly restored, now serving as a serene living and study area adorned in a soothing butter yellow hue. Centrally located off the hallway, a small WC and utility room have been seamlessly integrated into the floor plan, enhancing the functionality of the space.
The interiors radiate brightness, color, and a natural warmth, creating an inviting atmosphere filled with character. This project exemplifies how sustainability can be achieved on a budget through thoughtful design choices. Remarkably, no concrete was utilized in the final construction; all work was completed on the existing foundations, resulting in a retrofit that boasts a remarkably low carbon footprint. The design by THISS Studio emphasizes the use of natural, renewable, and recyclable materials, with FSC-certified pine and Douglas fir sourced from Europe to minimize transportation impacts. The choice of aluminum for the canopy further underscores this commitment, as it is a material known for its infinite recyclability.
THISS Studio has transformed the property into a spacious, elegant, and luminous family home that radiates character and charm, all while prioritizing the client’s needs. Rather than squandering budget and resources on an expensive extension, the studio has ingeniously optimized the existing space. This project showcases a unique blend of creativity and skill, where the clever arrangement of areas allows for a delightful interplay of whimsy and practicality.