UPTOWN HOUSE
Honed worked on the extension and refurbishment of a Grade II listed building in Islington. The three storey townhouse was carefully restored - retaining all the exterior and interior features. At the rear of the property, a single storey extension was designed in glass to bring light into the basement to complement and enhance the original architecture.
The work required careful management to preserve and set aside historic features, to manage specialist contractors, and to reinstate the interior. All period features were repaired and restored. The end result was a light filled house with classical proportions.
This listed townhouse was thoughtfully extended with a glazed single-storey addition at the rear, designed to bring in natural light while staying true to the home’s historic character. The new structure features specialist structural glazing set into reclaimed brick walls, built with traditional lime mortar. Below, the once-dark basement was completely transformed into a bright and welcoming kitchen and family space, finished with terrazzo tiles underfoot and oak boards in the adjoining living area.
To meet safety requirements for the open-plan design, a discreet misting sprinkler system was installed, and the home’s original doors were carefully retained and treated with fireproof coating. Throughout the rest of the house, alterations were minimal but precise, where listed status meant that every detail from restored cornices to repaired plasterwork, was handled with care. The new flooring is a timeless mix of white oak parquet and wide planks, bringing warmth and elegance to every room.
Bespoke joinery adds seamless storage across the home, including wardrobes in the principal bedrooms, custom cupboards in the utility, and integrated storage in the living room. The first floor now serves as a luxurious master suite, complete with a bathroom clad in three varieties of Italian Carrara marble and accented with brass fittings. A wetroom was added to the top floor, where a conservation rooflight brings softness and light to the compact loft space.
Lighting was carefully considered throughout, with layered pendants, wall lights, and LED features — including sensor-activated wardrobe and under-stair illumination, adding both function and atmosphere. Outside, the home’s façade was restored and repainted in classic tones, the original black and white tiled path was reinstated with over 1,500 hand-laid tiles, and the rear garden was refreshed to include charcoal paving and mature planting, including a fig tree and bamboo.
Soft, natural tones run throughout the interiors, complementing the period detailing while creating a calm, cohesive feel. The result is a warm and elegant family home, carefully updated to stand the test of time.