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Traditional London Townhouse Becomes Modern Home for a Cellist

10.24.22 | By
Traditional London Townhouse Becomes Modern Home for a Cellist

Owners of a traditional London townhouse enlisted the help of Unagru Architecture Urbanism to transform it into a modern, light-filled House for a Cellist with enough room for a musical quartet to practice. The three-story townhouse underwent an extensive refurbishment, which included structural work, a renovation, and an extension with direct access to the garden. To bring the house into modern times, a much-desired half bathroom is added to the ground floor, along with other necessities, like a laundry cabinet, new primary bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, an office, and lots of storage.

light interior of townhouse extension looking up to round skylight

A single-story, ground floor extension in the back creates a flexible living space for relaxing, dining, and rehearsing. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors span the back wall offering garden views and easy access to the patio. One of the most statement-making designs in the new addition is the circular skylight that draws natural light into the interior.

light interior of modern living room with large round skylight and man putting book on shelf

interior shot of part of grey sofa and coffee table in front of sliding glass doors with curtains

closeup shot of modern white bookcase and sliding glass doors with curtains

exterior patio view of modern london townhouse extension

Atop the extension is a wildflower green roof that helps reduce the risk of flooding when it rains.

interior view of light living room with chair and dining table under large white skylight

A triangle structure in the middle of the ground floor adds interesting angles while hiding the bathroom, a closet, and staircase. It also breaks up sight lines from the front of the house in order to provide privacy to the back and garden. The dining table can be moved to the side to make room for the musicians to rehearse.

zigzag hallway of light interior of modern extension

Light oak floors and matching cabinetry, along with rough lime plastered white walls create a minimalist and tranquil fool on the ground floor.

interior view down light wood clad hallway leading to staircase

The kitchen is at the front of the house semi-enclosed in a wood and glass box next the front door. Sliding doors open it up to the living area.

partial shot of modern kitchen

peering through doorway of modern bathroom

view of man climbing stairs

narrow wooden staircase view

interior view of modern bedroom with views to bathroom and white staircase

The rooftop terrace can be reached via a new custom steel staircase and electric roof hatch.

rooftop deck view with built-in seating

view looking down from rooftop patio

Photos by Nick Dearden.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.