Tetris House

Tetris House
Highbury, London

An example of what you can achieve without extending.

This project was nicknamed Tetris House because reworking the space was like a three-dimensional version of the classic computer game. Only the external walls were retained in the refurbishment, allowing the internal volumes to be completely reworked to maximise space efficiency without compromising on design. New window openings allow natural light to penetrate into every part of the house, whilst providing curated views outwards.

The project also presented the opportunity to upgrade the energy efficiency of the property. The retained external walls were all insulated, with new floors and roofs built to exceed current standards and improve airtightness. And while upgrading the thermal efficiency of the building vastly reduces the demand for energy, an array of solar panels provides the majority of the remaining electricity required, bringing a traditional London terrace emphatically into the modern day.

Photos by Christian Brailey