Plinth House
This unique end-of-terrace plot is a perfect example of how an initial challenge can become a home’s defining feature through creative design. Newly refurbished and extended, the house now enjoys a renewed connection with its wraparound garden, highlighted by a bespoke multi-use brick plinth.
Type
Private residential
Location
London
Scope
Full house renovation, rear & loft extension
Materials
Brick, concrete, oak, glass, zinc
Young professionals Felipe and Olivia had recently bought their first home. The steeply sloping triangular site presented us with an exciting opportunity for problem-solving. The ground floor has been fully excavated to create a connection throughout, and level changes are inventively resolved with a brick plinth that wraps the semi-submerged extension. This distinctive, one-of-a-kind plinth simultaneously serves as a retaining wall, sculptural feature, stepped seating, dining bench, and new garden terrace. It creates a feeling of spaciousness and room to breathe as the garden becomes an extension of the living area.
Inside, pale brick with flush mortar joints pairs with polished concrete flooring, giving a sense of weight and grounding. This effect is heightened by the lightweight timber-and-glass structure installed above, contrasting the solidity of the plinth and drawing natural light deep into the interior. Custom oak joinery softens the brickwork, creating a comfortable seating arrangement and tactile warmth.
“MarshKeene considered not just your current life but our future life too. They created a space that can take being knocked around with loads of children in it, but also feels really grown up when it needs to be.”
The restrained palette of brick and concrete is enriched with timber, terrazzo, exposed joists and handmade tiles, adding rhythm and character. The result is a generous, flexible home with defining features that perfectly adapt to Felipe and Olivia’s lifestyle, whether entertaining friends, homeworking or future plans to extend the family.
“It was such a pleasure to work with MarshKeene. From start to finish they were professional, knowledgeable and reliable. They made the process really enjoyable and, importantly, kept us within the budget we set. We cannot recommend them enough.”
Photographer
Lorenzo Zandri
Structural Engineer
Blue Engineering
Contractor
TW Space Conversion