Inglis Hall | Studio 163 Architects
Instinctively cool contemporary architecture effortlessly connects to the heritage character of this three-storey terrace in Kentish Town, London. And at the heart, a living kitchen, designed to work hard for its occupants, but with the sophistication of simplicity. An oasis of meditative calm in the midst of the busy capital.
S163 - The small details in a house shape the lives of the people inside it. Each element contributes to the overall experience of the home. In this case, the slightly rough face of the timber contrasts with the paler, more continuous finishes elsewhere.
IH - This pairing of textures and combining of real materials is perhaps our signature style. The clients wanted a natural honesty in their new kitchen/dining space. The band-sawn oak is shamelessly organic, distinct from the smooth Fenix cabinetry and clean architectural lines. The oak threshold marks the transition from existing and new before running into low cabinetry bathed in light.
S163 - Creating a truly simple and clear space is not easy. It requires time and attention to detail, especially in aligning different elements properly. Here, the timber is cut specifically around the concrete floor and steps up to the living room, making it feel cohesive.
IH - Absolutely right that 'simple' is hard won, both architecturally and fit-out. This is especially true when extending existing architecture where every junction becomes a critical design opportunity. Raw oak running into the concrete steps is an example of nailing this transition. The sunken handrail just ads another layer of quality, and nugget of joy to the everyday.
S163 - Sustainability doesn’t always mean using new technology. Sometimes, it’s about revisiting traditional building methods or questioning the need to tear down existing structures. Using timber as a building material ensures it can recycled and this it more than likely required less energy to produce than other synthetic alternatives.
IH - We prioritise locally sourced, sustainable materials. All of our solid wood comes from English Woodlands Timber. We like to work with the whole log or ‘boule’ for a project. This is not purely because it makes a nice story, but has huge practical benefits in terms of grain and colour matching and minimising waste. It elevates each element while adding to the whole. It is down to our relative small volume that we can work in this holistic way.
S163 - Modern construction often leads to a lot of waste. We need to consider how long products will last and how they might be used in the future. This is a kitchen which we think is timeless and will age as the rest of the property ages.
IH - Our ethos is buy once, buy better. By putting the craft back into modern kitchens, and working with quality real materials throughout the process, allows us to guarantee our product for life. To us, this is the obvious way of combating a throwaway society. By building kitchens that will only improve with age, and that deliberately avoid fads or trends. True style is timeless.
The kitchen cabinets and fronts are built in oak and the full height cupboards have been purposely cladded in a more neutral colour to blend with their surroundings.
S163 - Relying on just one design option is not enough. We aim to create unique solutions tailored to each project. The design proposal here was not an isolated task. We worked with contractor, client, Inglis Hall and remained on site for the build to ensure everything was as it should be.
IH - Our aim is simple, to make wonderfully considered kitchens. We want our clients to be excited as they journey home, in the knowledge of what is waiting for them. A space that should bring enormous contentment to their everyday lives. Holidays should hurt with the thought of leaving their kitchen behind.
S163 - With more time spent at home, it serves various purposes: work, relaxation, cooking, exercising, and hosting. This is why we should invest energy and resources into making our homes the best they can be. A lot of time was spent making sure the space worked hard to deliver on functionality and also related to the wider layout of the house, in this case with two separate entrances to the kitchen which dictated its orientation.
IH - This project was well considered at every level, and function rightly led the journey. Without this whole house approach, a modern extension can actually bring discord to a home, creating redundant space. When added with sympathy however, it completes the ecosystem bringing new life to old homes. An understated reverence. A retreat from modern life.
