Spitalfields House
Designed by East London residential architect Common Ground Workshop, Spitalfields House is a transformative renovation of a modest 1980’s end-of-terrace into an award-winning and tranquil four-storey family home. The project reimagines the original structure into a serene, four-storey family home that seamlessly blends minimalist aesthetics with functional living.
The design emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, featuring open-plan living and dining areas on the ground and basement levels that connect visually to front and rear ‘zen’ gardens. The upper floors house three spacious en-suite bedrooms, each incorporating extensive hardwood timber joinery and exterior balconies. A warm palette of raw materials—such as micro-concrete, timber, raw plaster, zinc, and blackened metal linings—enhances the tactile and visual experience throughout the home.
Sustainability is central to the project’s ethos. The use of low-embodied carbon materials, including timber and limestone, along with features like facing blockwork for thermal mass, contributes to energy efficiency and year-round comfort. Built-in storage and appliances are thoughtfully integrated to maintain the home’s minimalist appearance, accommodating the practical needs of family life.
This renovation not only doubles the usable floor area of the original structure but also creates a tranquil urban retreat that aligns with the client’s vision of a clutter-free, adaptable, and light-filled sanctuary. Spitalfields House stands as a testament to the potential of thoughtful design in urban residential architecture.
The project has been included by prominent influencer Daniel Titchener in his ‘Inside a Minimalist Japandi Inspired Home Refurbishment’ series
Style: Rory Robertson
Photographs: @staleeriksen
Film: Daniel Titchener
Key Awards and Publications:
Architecture Masterprize (Winner)
Better Future – London Design Awards (Winner)
Client
Private
Location
Spitalfields, London
Budget
Confidential
Size
169 sqm
Status
Completed
