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Just a short drive north of Central London, Hampstead emerges as a charming community within the Borough of Camden, celebrated for its quaint, village-like ambiance and rich historical architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as striking modernist constructions. This neighborhood was among the first to be designated a conservation area under the Town & Country Planning Act of 1968, showcasing early 1930s concepts of urban living. Notably, the Isokon Flats stand out as one of the iconic residential buildings, epitomizing the area’s architectural significance. Following World War II, the mid-20th century saw a resurgence of innovative design, with architect Ted Levy contributing a notable group of nine houses, including five townhouses, in 1968.
In a home within this vibrant setting, the dining area is thoughtfully positioned one level above the living room, offering a unique perspective into the kitchen through a hatch. The diagonal wood paneling, crafted from Paraná pine, remains one of the timeless elements from the 1960s.
A newly established visual axis enhances the connection between the living space and the kitchen, highlighted by an elegant Akari lamp by Isamu Noguchi that hangs above the dining table.
Throughout the years, many of Levy’s creations have undergone significant renovations, often losing their distinctive modernist features. However, one particular North London townhouse, a five-story Pine Heath row house, has preserved much of its original charm. The new owners enlisted architect Louis Hagen Hall to revamp the kitchen, bathrooms, and windows. It soon became apparent that a comprehensive renovation would be necessary to fully restore the property’s potential. “Our initial meeting took place at Canyon House in Primrose Hill, another project I was engaged with,” recalls Hagen Hall. “What began as a casual introduction quickly evolved into a brainstorming session where ideas flowed naturally. It was evident we shared a creative and conceptual vision.” Prioritizing energy efficiency and innovative investments, Hagen Hall collaborated with the couple on a new, thorough design plan.
The updated kitchen combines mid-century elegance with contemporary conveniences, featuring a stainless steel worktop and upper cabinets adorned with sliding glass doors.
Despite the irregular floor plan, ample natural light infuses the interiors, enhancing the home’s inviting atmosphere.
Hagen Hall focused on optimizing the home’s 2,400 square feet of living space, championing sightlines and fluid movement. He replaced old doors with sleek, floor-to-ceiling pocket doors, realigning them for unobstructed views extending from the front to the rear of the home. The design process centered around accommodating a growing family, which necessitated abundant storage solutions. While the architect carefully restored the original wood paneling made from now-endangered South American Paraná pine, he opted for stained cherry veneer in the cabinetry—an appealing match to the historic wood.
From the outset, the aim was to honor the design language of the 1960s without veering into mere replication. “Our goal was to avoid creating a replica or a nostalgic tribute, but instead to respond thoughtfully to the original architecture in a contemporary manner free from rigid references,” notes Hagen Hall. Through meticulous attention to detail, he successfully evoked the essence of the house’s origins, ensuring it remains a lively home for a young family rather than an antiquated museum piece.
This North London townhouse was initially featured in AD Germany. Translation by John Oseid.
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