Lilford Road

Lilford Road | London, United Kingdom | 2023

[Studio Hands]
Photography by: Peter Molloy

The site’s position along a curved road left it contoured into an awkward triangular shape.

An existing two-storey dwelling with a garage was in poor condition and the presented structural and layout impracticalities prompting the decision to demolish an existing structure and develop a new design for two new houses. Complicating the matters, was the large Victorian sewer running directly below the site. With the help of the team of engineers from The Structure Studio the project was made feasible.

We addressed site challenges by filleting the corner of the house thus creating a transition between the two axis of the street. The front facade was set back to rationalise internal layouts and create a relief from the street view. The design and choice of materials maintains the character of terraces on Lilford road, whilst avoiding pastiche.

Arched openings on the ground floor take their inspiration from local typologies.Precast concrete lintels, parapet and bay window allow for neat finishes and enhance facade articulation. The top band and bay window blends with the existing terrace on Lilford Road. As you turn the corner, the building gets a more modern look. Railings and plants provide a level of privacy to the front gardens whilst maintaining a welcoming openness.

Opting for green accents not only injects a playful charm but also enhances the building’s contextual cohesion, showcased through window frames and painted front doors. This theme continue inside with addition of green skirting boards in circulation areas and light green terrazzo in some bathrooms. Up on the top floor, the master bedrooms tucked away in the zinc box extension, each featuring a terrace with views over The City of London.

Our mission was to design a space that helps you unwind and sparks imagination. This was achieved through using different materials, playing with light and colour, and creating unexpected views from various angles. Despite the bustling corner of Lilford Road, the moment you step inside, a sense of retreat envelops you. Text description by the architects.