Church Crescent | Andrew Mulroy Architects

An existing semi-detatched Edwardian house in Muswell Hill has been transformed to suit the contemporary needs of the client, creating a calm and welcoming family home. The lower ground level of the split-level house, previously dark and with a poor relationship with the garden, has been extended to the rear, while the upper floors have been reconfigured to allow for spacious living.

By extending and excavating the lower ground floor, previously cramped spaces now boast tall ceiling heights, allowing for a spacious kitchen and dining area. The area, accessed from above via a feature floating stairway, was reoriented to offer a new sense of visual and physical connectivity with the nature. In addition to the fully glazed rear facade, this also included the introduction of an extensive glazed roof, further embracing natural light. An original internal brick wall and an acoustic timber baffled ceiling complete the new space, which now allows views from the front entranceway through to the garden.

The small front garden was also excavated to create a pleasant courtyard, allowing a new gym at basement level to benefit from views and natural light. On the upper ground floor, new glazed doors open from a living space onto a terrace, further promoting a sense of connectivity with the outdoors. 

The opportunity was also taken in the construction to upgrade the house’s energy efficiency. Internal thermal insulation has been added to all walls and roofs to minimise heat loss, while all windows were replaced with double glazed sashes.