Birchwood

Transforming a Victorian Gem: A Harmonious Blend of Old and New in Muswell Hill

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Muswell Hill in North London, a classic Victorian house has been thoughtfully transformed into a modern family home. This refurbishment project not only maximizes the available space but also artfully preserves the historical charm of the property. The architects behind this renovation have achieved a remarkable 25% increase in floor space by skillfully integrating contemporary design elements with the house's original features.

Revitalizing the Undercroft

One of the most significant changes in this project was the transformation of the house's undercroft. Originally used for storage, this space became the cornerstone of the renovation. The floor of the undercroft was lowered, effectively creating an entirely new level that offers seamless access to the garden. The result is a harmonious connection between the indoors and the outdoors, making the garden an extension of the living space.

To amplify this connection, a large double-height space was introduced by removing a section of the original ground floor. This area now opens into the garden through a striking frameless glass box, ensuring that the boundary between the interior and exterior is almost nonexistent. The introduction of a curving concrete staircase, meticulously cast on-site, guides visitors from the entrance down to the main family and kitchen space at garden level. A new light well above this stairwell floods the area with natural light, creating a dramatic and welcoming entrance.

Preserving and Enhancing Historical Elements

Further up the house, the architects have cleverly reorganized the bathroom and bedrooms to enhance functionality and aesthetics. An internal Juliet balcony overlooking the light well offers a captivating view through three floors down to the family space, adding a touch of romance and grandeur. On the top floor, the ceiling has been opened up to the underside of the hipped roof, creating a spacious and airy master suite that exudes luxury and comfort.

The original brief emphasized maximizing the available space while preserving the Victorian bay window at the rear of the house. This architectural feature was a key element that the clients fell in love with when they first bought the property. To achieve this, the architects devised a plan to create a courtyard between a new rectangular extension and the existing bay window. However, due to the building's width, this initially led to a narrow kitchen space.

Inspired by Japanese Minimalism

Drawing inspiration from the minimalist work of SANAA in Japan, the architects replaced the square courtyard with a frameless curved window. This innovative solution not only created more internal space but also echoed the shape of the Victorian bay in a contemporary fashion. The curved window enhances the flow from the kitchen to the dining area and provides uninterrupted views of the garden. The courtyard now offers daylight and views from both sides, ensuring that the architectural quality of the existing rear living room is maintained.

The new first-floor extension houses a versatile study and bathroom that can double as an additional bedroom. A corner window in this space provides panoramic views of the garden and the iconic Alexandra Palace. The flat green roof, finished with sedum, adds to the cohesive aesthetic of the rear exterior, offering a pleasant outlook from the first-floor windows and neighboring properties.

Addressing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

One of the key challenges of this project was retaining the beloved bay window while expanding the kitchen and improving the flow to the garden. The architects successfully moved the extension away from the rear façade of the house, creating a private courtyard that preserved the bay and maintained good levels of light and ventilation in the existing rear living room. By using a curved glass solution, they were able to create a more spacious kitchen and enhance the overall flow of the house.

Planning permission was another hurdle, given the house's location in the Muswell Hill Conservation Area in the London Borough of Haringey. The architects engaged in a private ‘Pre-app’ process, consulting with neighbors and planners to address any concerns before submitting a full planning application. Through detailed 3D modeling, they demonstrated that the project would not adversely impact the neighbors, and the planners appreciated the retention of the bay window.

A Modern Marvel Rooted in History

This comprehensive refurbishment of an ‘untouched’ Firecrest Estate house is a testament to the architects' ability to blend modernity with historical charm. The relocation of the main stair opened up a triple-height space over the entrance, and the introduction of a new curving open tread stair made from black timber, glass, and a beautifully crafted black leather handrail adds a touch of sophistication.

The transformed Victorian house in Muswell Hill stands as a shining example of how thoughtful design can enhance living spaces while respecting the architectural heritage. This project not only meets the functional needs of a modern family but also celebrates the timeless beauty of Victorian architecture.