The homeowners, long-time residents of East London, commissioned Office S&M Architects to transform their dark and dated Victorian townhouse in Kensington into a vibrant, art-filled space, that functions both as a home and a place to showcase their art collection. The clients wanted to, in their words “bring East London cool to West London”.
The dense arrangement of terraced houses and the home's north-facing orientation posed challenges in maximising natural light and amenity space. To address these site constraints, the renovation introduces a series of lanterns throughout the house to bring natural light deep into the plan. A rooflight, supported by a tessellated glulam structure, brings natural light into the ground floor living areas while also creating a spacious terrace at first floor level that provides the homeowners with a private outdoor garden space. At the top of the house, a skylight met by a curved soffit bathes the stairwell in gentle light, creating an inviting atmosphere that draws you up through the house.
The homeowners saw the project as an opportunity to commission East London designers and artists to create bespoke pieces for their home. As avid collectors, they envisioned a home that would not only showcase their collection but also function as a comfortable and practical living space. Everyday fixtures are replaced with custom-crafted pieces, like bespoke cast sinks and sculptural toilets, blending art with utility.
The colour palette draws inspiration from their collection, carefully designed to complement rather than overshadow the artwork. Overhead lanterns, are designed to illuminate the spaces without exposing the artworks to harsh sunlight. The result is a durable and functional home alongside a curated gallery of independent makers, artists, and craftspeople.
Throughout the project, narratives and stories are intricately embedded into the design. A north-facing fern and moss garden is framed by a terrazzo silhouette of a mountain range, a nod to the Spanish island where the couple married. Nearby, a folded mirror forms a glowing circle when viewed from the kitchen, evoking a setting moon at night. Slender trees positioned in the courtyard garden are designed to be viewed from both levels, creating continuity between the lower living spaces and the terrace above.
Meticulously crafted joinery and clever storage solutions ensure practicality without compromising the home's airy, uncluttered feel. Storage is discreetly integrated into the darker corners of the home, maximising light and utility while maintaining a sense of openness. Inside, a striking burnt orange wall folds along the ground floor, winding up the staircase, forming a cohesive ribbon of colour.
Moon House is both a functional home and a living gallery, showcasing a collection of art, objects and stories. Each space is carefully curated to celebrate creativity and craftsmanship while meeting the practical needs of everyday life. The result is a home that is comfortable, inspiring and deeply personal.
To read in more detail about how we transform the homes of our residential clients, please click here.
Location: Kensington, London
Project: Residential refurbishment and extensions
Client: Private
RIBA London Awards - Shortlisted
