Completed in 2023, this striking project in Stoke Newington, London, exemplifies the award-winning approach of William Tozer Associates. The design is a bold reinterpretation of traditional and modern architectural elements, blending sculptural form with functional living spaces in a seamless, innovative composition.
Drawing inspiration from Gordon Matta-Clark’s “Conical Intersect” artwork, the home’s design is rooted in a play of volumes and planes. White-rendered and slate-clad rectilinear structures are offset both horizontally and vertically, while frameless rectangular glazing punctuates the space, creating a sleek and modern aesthetic. A mirrored wall on the ground floor further transforms perception, doubling the visual impact of the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living spaces.
The wood-lined interior bridges the gap between exterior and interior. Timber elements echo the natural decking outside, blending traditional notions of salon-like intimacy with contemporary design sensibilities. Glimpses of garden vegetation through frameless windows enhance this dialogue between the built and natural environments, while the mirrored wall amplifies light and space, creating a dynamic interplay of reflection and perspective.
The top floor continues this cohesive design language, with frameless rectangular openings in walls and ceilings that mimic the ground floor’s aesthetic. A traditional mansard roof form is reimagined with modern detailing, featuring timber cladding that visually connects the bedrooms and bathroom to the lower levels.
The architectural design prioritises spatial complexity and functionality, loosely dividing the open-plan interior into distinct zones through subtle changes in levels, materials, and fixtures. This approach reflects William Tozer Associates’ ethos of “raumplanned” architecture, promoting social interactions through thoughtful spatial alignments and visual connectivity.
Founder William Tozer draws influence from early modernist masters such as Adolf Loos, Le Corbusier, and Mies van der Rohe. Loos’s philosophy, which considers architecture as both fine art and decorative art, is a cornerstone of Tozer’s practice. The Stoke Newington home exemplifies this philosophy, with its finely crafted materials and utilitarian components that enhance rather than detract from the overall aesthetic.
The project also embodies the concept of “action architecture,” where the process of conception, demolition, and construction is subtly revealed in the finished structure. This notion aligns with mid-20th century Italian architect Carlo Scarpa’s approach, where architectural drawings and models are brought to life in completed buildings.
The home’s spatial design and materiality are further enriched by references to artists like Donald Judd and Matta-Clark. The “specific objects” and spatial interventions evident in their works resonate in the careful detailing and deliberate play of form within this Stoke Newington project.
This 182 m² residence stands as a testament to William Tozer Associates’ ability to blend art, architecture, and functionality. By reimagining traditional forms and introducing innovative materials and spatial strategies, this home captures the essence of modern living while paying homage to the rich history of architectural design and craftsmanship.
