Studio Seilern Architects - Hewer Street

Studio Seilern Architects

• 2010
• 450m²

SSA created this New York-style home by converting & extending a Victorian postal office in London.

This residential project was completed in two phases. The first phase involved the renovation of a former postal sorting office into a 450 sqm private residence. The original 1920's structural roof bracing and exterior London brick walls were preserved and restored. The second phase addressed the remainder of the space, which was completely reconfigured and rebuilt, involving an extension into a neighbouring Georgian terrace.

There are two separate dwellings; the larger main house and a smaller apartment. For the principal dwelling, the main concept was to create an open loft-like space, where the owners' contemporary art collection could be exhibited. Different levels are created within the main house so that the large open space is counter-balanced, and pockets of intimate family space are created. By doing this, the large open space retains its industrial heritage yet also carefully maintains a scale appropriate to a single-family dwelling.

At the core of the project is a folded steel plate stair, connected to the wall on one side, creating a sense of lightness and drama. In the open-plan configuration, gradients of privacy are created by the difference in levels and ceiling heights.