Juxtaposition of Design

This 1880s London home combines modern design with Victorian bones for calm living.

Client's Sanctuary Goal

The client wanted a home that could be a real sanctuary of calm in central london.

“The client 'wanted a home that could be a real sanctuary of calm,' says Nathaniel Mosley, director at architecture studio Mosley Thorold.”

Victorian Restoration

The original building was gutted in the '70s, requiring restoration of traditional interior details.

“The original building had actually been gutted in the '70s, so the traditional interior details were all reinstated as part of the project.”

Craftsmanship Approach

Traditional Victorian detailing focuses on creating junctions that age well and are attractive to the eye.

“Traditional victorian detailing is often very pragmatic, it is about how to create junctions between material conditions and construction techniques that will age well and be attractive to the eye.”

Open Plan Layout

The kitchen, dining room, and library form an open plan with zoned spaces for social and quiet activities.

“The library, kitchen, and dining areas are open plan to each other, but zoned through subtle changes in level and ceiling conditions.”

Material Choices

Reclaimed concrete tiles and seagrass rugs create tactile textures for intimate living spaces.

“Texture and tactility in a material palette can make a space feel much more grounded and intimate, even when expansive.”

Kitchen Details

Kitchen cabinets use 17th-century antique italian shutters for reclaimed materials.

“We used a lot of reclaimed materials or items throughout the project, but i think the ones i notice every time i return and that are especially satisfying are the reclaimed shutters forming the kitchen cupboard doors.”

Garden Library

The garden library features floor-to-ceiling windows and a log burner for serene views.

“The double-height library with its bespoke sofa and views across the garden has to be my favourite area.”

Staircase Design

The staircase was relocated between ground floors to create garden views and light play.

“We relocated the staircase between the raised and lower ground floors, this gave us the opportunity to choreograph multiple unfolding views of the garden.”

Living Room

The living room uses Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster walls for a gentle light tone.

“The setting plaster walls give the room a gentle tone to the light.”

Main Bedroom

The main bedroom features Little Greene Whitening paint for calm and city views.

“The principal suite is at the top of the building and has incredible light and views across the city.”

Sustainable Pool

The pool uses air-source heat pumps and solar panels for eco-friendly swimming.

“The pool embodies the project's commitment to sustainability, complete with an air-source heat pump, solar panels, and the avoidance of harmful chemicals in the pool itself.”

Overall Sentiment

Natural materials and earthy colors create calm throughout the home for meditative living.

“Somehow, life's simplest rituals are lent a meditative quality by the feeling of expansive calm.”