A touch of Scandinavian minimalism has turned this compact flat in a typical Victorian terraced house in North London into a blissful haven of simplicity. Designed by emerging architecture practice Studio Hallett Ike, the project involved the one-bedroom apartment renovation for a private owner, including an extension towards the rear.
Named ER Residence, the home now features two bedrooms and an open and bright living space at the front. The extension’s English larch cladding was charred on site by hand to create a tactile, rich textural effect. ‘Doing this, rather than painting or staining, allows the texture and grain of the larch to feel very present, and to age and patina over time,’ explain the studio founders Madeleine Ike and Jonty Hallett. This also helps the volume to feel natural and blend organically with the garden’s foliage.
Inside, neutral colours in light tones – predominantly in white and birch shades – compose a calming interior. This is enhanced by original floorboards, which were ‘retained and sanded to reveal the natural grain,’ in the manner of Scandinavian minimalism. Stained Douglas Fir is used in various areas in the house, such as the kitchen cabinets and wall panelling, becoming a recurrent feature. Terrazzo in the kitchen and bathroom adds a discreet, playful note.
‘The overarching design approach was to carry out a small number of strong but simple moves that are consistently applied, sitting at the heart of every design consideration,’ say the architects of the apartment renovation. ‘These come together to create an overall impression that is minimal and timeless, exuding an assured and understated elegance.’ §
