Best Case Scenario
Victorian houses are hugely popular with UK homeowners, although their structures and layouts are often at odds with the demands of modern family life. This house in East London by Scenario Architecture demonstrates how, with a bit of clever design, one could create a thoroughly contemporary living space within the constraints of a Victorian terrace house.
The architects' brief is to create an integrated living / dining / kitchen space from a typical Victorian terrace house with two reception rooms on the ground floor and a cellar below. The architects achieved this by creating an open-plan split level space where the living area at the front of the house cascades down to an intermediate lounging area with a fireplace before flowing down a flight of stairs to the kitchen dining room on the garden level. At the back of the kitchen, where the ceiling height is restricted, the architects created a practical and playful children's area where the furniture slides out from under the stairs. The new structure feels bright and airy, thanks to a vast slanting glazed roof and large folding windows which opens the kitchen dining area to the garden.
This is a thoughtfully converted house which should indeed be fit for multiple scenarios for years to come.
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Product Inspiration
Furniture with simple structure and slick finish would work well in this light and airy house. Try the Fan table from Desalto, the Laia barstool from Alki and the FUWL Cage side table from Menu.
A few strategically located table and low floor lights would work wonders, even in such a light room. The sleek Concrete Floor lamp from Lyon Beton would work well, as would the Kizu table lamp from New Works and the Chou floor light from LZF.
Accessories with sculptural shapes is a great way to add highlights to the living space. We love the Slide serving tray from Finell, the Metrobowl Amsterdam from Frederik Roije and the Pipework candelabra from Nick Fraser.
