Threefold Architects’ terrific transformation of a London terraced house

When enlisted for the interior overhaul of a terraced four-storey property in the heart of London’s Redchurch Street conservation area, Threefold Architects knew they had a challenge in their hands, describing the original space as ‘crowded and claustrophobic’. The result was Fissure House, a bright and open family home, which takes its name from the dramatic vertical void (or ‘fissure’) that runs internally along one side of the property.
Previously inhabited by a photographer, the old structure’s interior was cramped and closed off, with no external access. The new owners, a small family, tasked the architects with transforming it into a highly functional, bright and contemporary living space. Threefold duly obliged, completely reworking the structural and architectural program of the home to create an open and sunlit interior, equipped with terraces on three of its four levels.
The house’s defining feature is none other than the aforementioned void. The vertical element greets guests when they enter the property and sets the tone for the whole project. Light floods in via little glass panels scattered on the higher floors, which also provides little viewing windows that provides sneak peeks of visitors as they climb though the building's social spaces.
Take an interactive tour of Fissure House
The master bedroom, main bathroom and a slightly smaller secondary bedroom sit on the ground floor, shielded from the street by a frosted glass panel that ensures privacy for the residents. Living spaces are spread across the floors above.
The architect’s choice to flip the conventional residential program on its head allowed them to play with the interior arrangement more. For example, there is an influx of light via the home’s series of staggered interior balconies, which were created by cutting back each of the floor plates on the upper levels. On the first floor the kitchen and dining area can be found, while the second level houses the livingroom and the third and final floor is a cosy office space.
Architects and clients worked together on the interior atmosphere, opting for details that remain sensitive to the site’s heritage, such as exposed brick, locally sourced brass fixtures and custom joinery composed from Valchromat – a material similar to MDF, but coloured through, so that it allows for flawless milled detailing in the bespoke cabinetry.
A series of staggered interior balconies allow for an influx of light in all the rooms, as well as for welcome visual connections between the house’s social areas
The architects and the clients worked together to envision the interior atmosphere, opting for details that remain sensitive to the property’s historical context
Locally sourced brass fixtures are featured throughout, along with custom joinery composed from Valchromat, a material similar to MDF
Threefold completely reworked the structural and architectural program of the home to create an open, bright and spacious living area with a terrace on each of its upper levels
The first floor is home to the kitchen and dining area, the second level houses the property’s living space and the top floor, pictured, is a cosy office space
INFORMATION
For further information, visit Threefold Architects’ website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Oscar Niemeyer: a guide to the Brazilian modernist, from big hits to lesser-known gems
Architecture master Oscar Niemeyer defined 20th-century architecture and is synonymous with Brazilian modernism; our ultimate guide explores his work, from lesser-known schemes to his big hits; and we revisit a check-in with the man himself
-
French skincare brand PERS doesn’t believe in overcomplicated routines
French skincare brand PERS – an acronym for ‘protect, enhance, repair, and stimulate’ – has recently arrived in the UK. The mastermind behind it, Dr Anthony Calmon, tells Wallpaper* about his protocol
-
Wallpaper* checks in at The Grand National Hotel by Saint Peter: ‘a lush restaurant with rooms’
In Sydney’s Paddington, pioneering chef Josh Niland opens the 14-bedroom luxury hotel alongside his pioneering restaurant
-
V&A East Storehouse is a new London museum, but not as you know it
Designed by DS+R, the V&A East Storehouse immerses visitors in history as objects of all scales mesmerise, seemingly ‘floating’ in all directions
-
Timeless yet daring, this Marylebone penthouse 'floats' on top of a grand London building
A Marylebone penthouse near Regent’s Park by design studio Wendover is transformed into a light-filled family home
-
Revamped National Gallery Sainsbury Wing unveiled: Annabelle Selldorf gives us a tour
The National Gallery Sainsbury Wing redesign by Selldorf Architects is ready to open its doors to the public in London; we took the tour
-
Wild sauna, anyone? The ultimate guide to exploring deep heat in the UK outdoors
‘Wild Sauna’, a new book exploring the finest outdoor establishments for the ultimate deep-heat experience in the UK, has hit the shelves; we find out more about the growing trend
-
A new London house delights in robust brutalist detailing and diffused light
London's House in a Walled Garden by Henley Halebrown was designed to dovetail in its historic context
-
A Sussex beach house boldly reimagines its seaside typology
A bold and uncompromising Sussex beach house reconfigures the vernacular to maximise coastal views but maintain privacy
-
This 19th-century Hampstead house has a raw concrete staircase at its heart
This Hampstead house, designed by Pinzauer and titled Maresfield Gardens, is a London home blending new design and traditional details
-
An octogenarian’s north London home is bold with utilitarian authenticity
Woodbury residence is a north London home by Of Architecture, inspired by 20th-century design and rooted in functionality