Lordship Park House

A dilapidated Victorian building that has been brought back to life with thoughtful interventions and a modern extension.

Located in the Lordship Park conservation area of Stoke Newington in North London, UK, this old Victorian house was in a dilapidated state, with both historic bomb damage and tree-root subsidence affecting the structural integrity of the building. The clients, a couple who loves to take on challenging restoration projects, tasked Bindloss Dawes with the renovation and transformation of the house into a family home. The architecture firm focused on preserving the original features of the building while also designing a new extension to expand the living spaces toward the lush garden.

The architects used an ingenious approach to solve the house’s structural damage and lack of connection to the outdoors: a cruciform reinforced concrete structure that provides support to the rear wall and to the new extension. This structure pierces the heart of the house, adding a striking texture to the material palette. At the same time, the material has a high thermal mass, ensuring that the home stays warmer in winter and cools down in the summer. At the rear of the house, two large brick-framed apertures open the living spaces to the garden. The studio used buff-toned bricks that match the original facades, linking two architectural eras.

Inside, the exposed wood roof structure brings warmth to the main living spaces. The use of concrete and wood gives a nod to both mid-century modern Californian homes and to brutalist architecture in the tropics. Pale, muted neutral colors soften the palette; together with tactile materials, they create a tranquil, welcoming, and light-filled space. Other finishes include unlacquered brass and natural oak that will both develop patinas with age, growing more beautiful over time.

The garden now features a stepped concrete and brick patio that extends the living spaces toward nature. Here, the clients can welcome family and friends into a laid-back entertaining space for barbecues and al fresco dinners. Photography© Nick Dearden.