A century-old London residence has been dramatically transformed from a dark, compartmentalized dwelling into a bright, flexible family sanctuary. Mulroy Architects partnered with homeowners Nichola and Stanton to convert what was once a dim and disjointed 1920s house burdened by decades of poorly conceived additions into a radiant modern home called "No Ordinary House."
The homeowners saw potential where others might have seen only problems. Nichola, founder of the interior and spatial design studio No Ordinary House, was particularly drawn to the property's generous proportions that had been buried beneath cluttered layouts and blocked natural light. With two teenage sons and a desire for a more adaptable living space for the future, the couple collaborated with Mulroy Architects to create a home that could evolve with their family while maintaining a strong connection to nature.
Mulroy's design approach centered on the concept of openness, removing both physical and psychological barriers throughout the space. The ground floor was completely reorganized around two central sightlines: one extending from the front entrance through to the garden beyond, and another reaching upward through a new galleried staircase that channels natural light deep into the house's interior. Drawing inspiration from Horace Gifford's breezy East Coast beach houses, the new layout celebrates flow and transparency, seamlessly linking daily life to views of the garden and sky.
When the homeowners initially proposed adding a basement, Mulroy challenged them to think about purpose rather than simply creating additional space. The result is a vibrant social hub that functions as part gymnasium, part screening room, and part bar, opening directly onto a sunken courtyard that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. This basement area embodies the principle of social sustainability, designed to potentially evolve into a self-contained apartment for multigenerational living arrangements.
The upper levels maintain flexibility as their core design principle. The reimagined loft provides private, self-sufficient bedrooms for the couple's nearly grown sons, while the middle floors offer shared family zones specifically designed to adapt as life circumstances change. Throughout the home, there's a consistent emphasis on natural materials, longevity, and warmth, reflecting Nichola's own design philosophy that seeks to harmonize the built environment with nature.
At the heart of the renovation stands a dramatic double-height courtyard garden that anchors the interior spaces with a living wall bringing biophilia directly into the home. This feature serves as both an aesthetic centerpiece and an environmental element, improving indoor air quality, supporting local biodiversity, and visually softening the home's modern finishes. The living wall represents a key component of the home's sustainable design approach.
Sustainability features extend throughout the property, from solar panels and high-performance insulation to strategic daylighting and advanced ventilation systems. Mulroy Architects ensured the house operates efficiently while maintaining optimal comfort for its inhabitants. These comprehensive improvements have dramatically elevated the property's energy rating, aligning with the studio's commitment to creating "big, green architecture" that is both practical and beautiful.
The transformation represents a successful collaboration between architect and client, demonstrating how thoughtful design can breathe new life into existing structures. The project showcases how 1920s housing stock can be adapted for contemporary living while respecting the original building's character and incorporating cutting-edge sustainability practices. Photography of the completed project was captured by Kilian O'Sullivan, documenting the remarkable evolution from dated dwelling to modern family sanctuary.
