In the heart of the vibrant neighbourhood of Stoke Newington, a Victorian terrace house on Burma Road has been meticulously reimagined to suit the needs of a modern family. This extensive renovation celebrates light, space, and craftsmanship, blending contemporary architectural interventions with the home’s original charm. The result is a house that feels seamlessly connected—a home that both embraces its history and looks confidently to the future.

Every element of the house, from its newly extended rear to the addition of a garden studio, has been carefully considered to enhance both function and flow. The lower ground floor has been entirely reconfigured, creating a dual-aspect space that allows light to flood in from both ends of the house. The removal of central walls has enabled a spacious, open-plan arrangement where the kitchen now acts as the heart of the home, bridging the dining, living, and ancillary areas.

A striking blackened steel, brass, and timber staircase forms the centrepiece of the redesign, connecting all floors through a dramatic triple-height space. The inclusion of a large openable roof light at the top of the house ensures natural ventilation throughout, allowing fresh air to move freely in warmer months.

One of the most notable aspects of this renovation is the seamless integration of the home with its outdoor spaces. The rear extension, constructed using handcrafted Vande Moortel bricks, has been designed to echo the staggered formation of the existing terrace, subtly referencing the area’s architectural heritage. Sedum roofing and swift boxes incorporated into the brickwork encourage biodiversity, further blurring the lines between built and natural environments.

At the end of the garden, a cedar-clad garden studio provides additional space for work and play. Thoughtfully designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, its footprint and placement carefully preserve the privacy and greenery of the outdoor space.

Inside, the emphasis is on materiality and refined detailing. The kitchen, complete with a striking zinc and brass island, acts as a bridge between the social areas of the home. Full-height glazing provides uninterrupted views of the garden, while generous roof lights ensure a bright, airy feel throughout. The ground floor’s lowered level increases ceiling height, further enhancing the sense of volume and openness.

Moving upwards, the first and second floors house two double bedrooms and an en-suite, along with a family bathroom that overlooks a small terrace. The top floor is dedicated to the primary suite, where a spacious bedroom and bathroom open onto a private roof terrace with panoramic views of London. Ribbon windows on this level ensure that light filters down through the house, creating a sense of cohesion across all storeys.

The project is a testament to the collaborative relationship between the homeowners and their design team at Paul Archer Design. “We enjoyed working collaboratively with the team at Paul Archer on this challenge. They understood our brief perfectly and listened to our needs as a family,” the homeowners share. “They provided fresh thoughts whilst giving us the confidence to explore new ideas. Significantly, they brought a sense of ‘flow’ to the building. Rather than five independent storeys, now light and space connect all the floors. We are delighted with it and feel very fortunate to call it home.”

The renovation stands as an exemplar of contemporary family living—one that embraces both the past and present, ensuring every inch of the home serves a purpose while maintaining an effortless sense of style. With a cost of £2002 per sqm, the project is an investment not just in bricks and mortar, but in a way of living that prioritises connection, comfort, and longevity.

With its thoughtful use of materials, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, and emphasis on natural light, the transformation of Burma Road is an inspiring example of how London’s period homes can be sensitively reimagined for modern life. Here, a house has been given a new lease of life—not just as a functional space, but as a sanctuary for a family to grow and thrive.