Tilde House

Tilde House: A Harmonious Blend of Heritage and Modernity

Located in the Canonbury Conservation Area in north London, Tilde House is a remodeled and extended Grade II listed Victorian house that masterfully integrates historic and contemporary elements. Under the expert guidance of Neil Dusheiko Architects, this architectural transformation safeguards the property’s essence and heritage while meeting the modern needs of a young family.

Preserving Neo-Classical Elegance

Built in the early 1840s, the original semi-detached villa is celebrated for its elegant neo-classical detailing. However, the interior was dark, dated, and cramped, making it unsuitable for contemporary living. As a firm with deep roots in the neighborhood, Neil Dusheiko Architects understood the importance of balancing historic preservation with innovative design. The external restoration of the front facade is carefully executed to lift the streetscape, subtly suggesting that little has changed. Yet, beyond the threshold, an intriguing and modern series of spaces unfolds.

A Striking Contemporary Addition

To the rear of the property, the architects replaced a shabby, utilitarian modern extension with a striking new addition. This new space houses a stylish bespoke kitchen, where daylight floods in through a full-height glazed screen that opens onto the garden. The extension is framed by dark saw-tooth bricks laid in a vertical basket-weave pattern, offering a tonal and textural contrast to the original house. This single-storey volume complements the proportions of the original building while adding a bold contemporary character that harmoniously blends with the historic fabric.

Meticulous Interior Refurbishment

The original home has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, updating existing spaces with meticulous attention to detail. New ensuite bathrooms are cleverly concealed behind crisp joinery painted in rich dark tones. These tones change with the shifting light throughout the day, complementing the retained and restored period features. A carefully curated selection of fixtures and fittings completes the modern interiors, evoking the home’s elegant past while ensuring contemporary comfort.

Improved Flow and Modern Living

On the ground floor, the existing layout has been opened up to create a much-improved flow through the house, better suited to modern living. The dining room becomes a captivating space that bridges the original house, the contemporary extension, and the garden. This space inspired a distinctive pleated roof design that folds and unfolds over the dining area and the kitchen. This shared visual language brings the old and new parts of the house together, creating a cohesive aesthetic.

Architectural Details Stitching Old and New

The folding motif, referenced in the extension’s brickwork, continues in the herringbone flooring and paving that flows through the kitchen and into the garden beyond. This architectural detail stitches the old and new together, fostering graceful connections. The meticulous integration of these elements ensures that the modern additions enhance rather than overshadow the historic character of the home.

Conclusion

Tilde House stands as a testament to the delicate balance between preservation and innovation. Neil Dusheiko Architects have created a home that not only respects its historical context but also meets the demands of contemporary living. By blending the neo-classical elegance of the original Victorian villa with bold, modern elements, Tilde House offers a unique living experience that honors the past while embracing the future. This residence exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform a heritage property into a functional, beautiful home for today’s families.