London-based architecture and interior practice TR Studio has recently put the finishing touches on their remarkable project – the refurbishment and extension of West London‘s PN House. This magnificent 5-storey family home now exudes a captivating blend of minimalist modernity and an homage to its rich heritage. With an abundance of natural light flooding through its spaces, this architectural masterpiece is truly a sight to behold.
The private residential owners, who had previously lived next door, had a clear vision for the traditional townhouse they purchased. They aimed to bring in ample natural light, particularly to the lower floors, while preserving the historic charm. When TR Studio began the renovations, the property was in a dilapidated state. The interior was stripped out, but the facades were retained and restored, including the historic mouldings, fenestration, and metalwork, in accordance with the neighboring terraces in the W2 conservation area.
The ground floor of the property has a study at the front, painted in Farrow & Ball ‘Down Pipe’. The study features built-in storage, a custom sideboard, shutters, mid-century furniture, and a Bat pendant light. Double doors lead to the library with a grand piano. The living room is at the rear, with a large roof light and big windows. The roof light integrates with the sky, while the windows have a dark bronze finish. A glazed floor brings light to the dining room and kitchen below, with modern furnishings and green velvet armchairs.
The TR Studio designed kitchen has soft grey cabinetry with subtle accents. The overall neutral palette is highlighted by walnut veneer, brass, and bronze. The kitchen has a Carrara marble splashback, floating walnut veneer shelving, and an OWKS pendant light by Michael Anastassiades. The island includes a Gaggenau induction cooktop, oven, and storage drawers. Under the staircase, there is an integrated wine fridge and a TV. The dining area has a Saarinen style marble tulip table, vintage mid-century sideboard, and a HAY Saucer Bubble paper pendant by George Nelson.
At the front of the plan next to a concealed pantry, TR Studio designed and installed a custom dining bench as a more casual eating space. The floating bench design crafted from oak, features a sculptural curved arm and leather upholstery in olive green which is paired with a small Saarinen style marble tulip table and mid-century dining chairs. Leading down to the Utility and WC, a custom steel balustrade was made for the stairs connecting the lower ground basement and utility with the open kitchen diner.
The laundry room has sleek storage, a painted ceiling and walls, and grey porcelain floor tiles. The guest WC has blue walls, a marble sink, and a pendant light. Connecting the floors TR Studio installed a beautifully designed and crafted staircase, the form of which is similar to the original, leaning on the wisdom of the Victorians to make the most efficient use of space.
Leading to the upper floors, an additional small rooflight illuminates a niche on the stairwell, providing natural illumination to an otherwise dark section of the stair. By adding the closet wing an existing window that traditionally had illuminated the stair was covered. To bring natural light into the stair TR Studio designed the top lit alcove for the display of a small sculpture or artwork and thus creating an unexpected point of interest and illumination as you ascend the stair. Allied Maker Court 2 wall lights in brass illuminate.
To maximize natural light in the stairwell, TR Studio added a small rooflight. This brightens the previously dim area due to the covered window. Additionally, an alcove with top lighting acts as a display space, adding interest and illumination to the staircase. Wall lights were also installed to effectively light up the space. These design choices create a visually stunning and cohesive staircase that connects the different floors and ties the entire property together.
The client wanted a dressing room and ensuite on the first floor connected to the main bedroom. A curved passage was carefully planned to connect the dressing room and ensuite, slipping past the main stair. The main bedroom has traditional sash windows with floor to ceiling curtains, painted walls, and hanging pendant lights. The built-in wardrobes in the main bedroom have fabric cladding and bronze trim with horn handles. The dressing room is in the middle of the plan, with the ensuite located at the rear.
Concealed sliding doors divide the dressing room from the bedroom. Mirrors are integrated into the door panels on the dressing room side. A curved corridor leads from the dressing room to the main ensuite, allowing both clients to dress without bothering each other. The curved shape maximizes space and creates a unique transition between the rooms. The dark wood panelling matches the dressing room wardrobe, providing a rich and durable alternative to painted walls.
The main ensuite features another large custom glass rooflight to flood the room with daylight. Together with paintwork in ‘Strong White’ by Farrow & Ball, the ensuite is light and bright. Grey Arabescato porcelain tiles line the shower enclosure with nickel fittings and an elegant double vanity unit from Antonio Lupi adding an elegant feel to the clean, cool space. Coil + Drift Toam wall sconces frame the double vanity space.
Ascending to the second floor, the plan features a linen cupboard on the stairwell, children’s bedroom and ensuite with bath and separate shower towards the rear. The third floor features a further children’s bedroom towards the street and ensuite with shower to the rear. The third floor was a new floor built within a mansard roof with dormer windows, of which conservation rules dictated the roof form and size of the dormer windows allowed. The stairwell at roof level features a further rooflight for added light and ventilation.
Designed to be a comfortable calm space for a family to live, PN House is characterised by high quality materials that are easy to maintain and a modest colour palette. TR Studio have created generous and varied living spaces for the family of four with simple yet purposeful design that doesn’t distract from the everyday but celebrates it.