Historic Factory to Contemporary Living: Palladian’s Innovative Renovation of The Tile House

Published on August 19, 2024 | by DSGN arcHive

How does a historic Kensington factory become a dream home? Discover The Tile House, where past meets present!

Are you captivated by the idea of transforming a historic industrial building into a modern family home? If so, “The Tile House” is a must-see. Located in the heart of Kensington, West London, this remarkable renovation is the work of Palladian, an esteemed architecture and interior design practice known for their innovative approach to blending history with modernity. The project reimagines a former tile factory, originally built in 1909-10, into a stylish, contemporary residence that perfectly marries the building’s rich history with modern functionality. By skillfully merging Arts & Crafts elements with contemporary features, Palladian has created a home that honours its past while seamlessly meeting the needs of today’s family life.

Transforming a Historic Factory into a Chic Family Home

A Rich History Reimagined

The Tile House, originally a bustling tile factory from the early 20th century, underwent a remarkable transformation by Palladian. Tasked with converting this industrial space into a modern family home, Palladian faced the challenge of updating a decades-old conversion while preserving the building’s historic charm. Their approach focused on respecting the building’s origins and incorporating elements from the Arts & Crafts movement, which emphasizes natural materials and light. This careful balance between preserving the old and embracing the new was key to the project’s success.

Revamping the Old

When Palladian began their work, they aimed to modernize the space without sacrificing its historical essence. Their vision was to create a home that respected the building’s heritage while seamlessly incorporating contemporary features. This involved carefully selecting original elements to preserve and thoughtfully integrating them with modern design principles. Palladian’s meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the renovation honored the building’s past while offering the functionality required for a growing family.

Unearthing Hidden Treasures

One of the most exciting moments during the renovation was when Palladian uncovered stacks of original tiles from the factory days. These tiles, in excellent condition, provided a direct link to the building’s history. Instead of discarding them, Palladian chose to incorporate these historical tiles into the new design. They created striking feature areas, including the entrance hall fireplace surround and bespoke writing desks, using these reclaimed materials. This thoughtful reuse not only preserved a piece of the building’s past but also added unique character to the renovated home.

Innovative Architectural Features

Palladian’s renovation introduced several noteworthy architectural enhancements that transformed the home’s layout. One of the most significant changes was the creation of a contemporary open-plan living space at the rear of the property. This redesign fostered a sense of openness and fluidity, essential for modern family living. The open-plan area now serves as the heart of the home, offering a versatile and inviting space for daily activities and gatherings, perfectly blending form and function.

Maximising Natural Light

The new owners’ passion for cooking made the kitchen and dining area a focal point of the renovation. Palladian transformed the lower ground floor into an open-plan kitchen, prioritizing natural light. They elongated the rear extension to improve flow and added an expansive Oriel window, flooding the space with light and connecting it to the outdoors. To further enhance brightness, a walk-on skylight was installed on the terrace above, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the heart of the home.

Optimising Space for Modern Living

Palladian‘s renovation not only increased natural light but also optimized the home’s layout. The main staircase was repositioned to improve circulation and minimize wasted landing space. A new reading corner was created under the staircase, offering a cozy spot with views of the rear garden. The entrance foyer was thoughtfully restored, preserving its original features while incorporating modern updates. Hand-painted tile paneling and a new staircase now lead to the redesigned kitchen, seamlessly blending the old with the new for a harmonious living space.

Sustainability and Craftsmanship

Sustainability is at the heart of Palladian’s design philosophy, reflected in their commitment to using responsibly sourced materials that are both durable and environmentally friendly. For this project, much of the timber used in the kitchen was sourced from fallen trees in local parks, showcasing their dedication to sustainability. This eco-conscious approach not only supports environmental responsibility but also adds a unique, natural touch to the home, making it both beautiful and sustainable.

Blending Old and New Materials

The interior design of The Tile House expertly blends man-made and natural materials, creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Stone and timber finishes are combined with bespoke joinery to maximize space and practicality. The kitchen worktops, crafted from Granby Rock—a recycled terrazzo—showcase an innovative use of sustainable materials. For the kitchen cabinetry, Palladian commissioned RHMB to design and build units using timber recovered from local London woodlands. Hand-crafted elements, such as a custom sculpture by Cristel Sadde and hand-block prints by Louisa Loakes, add a personal and artistic touch to the space, making it uniquely refined and environmentally conscious.

Palladian’s renovation of The Tile House is a standout example of blending historical charm with modern design. Their approach offers valuable inspiration for transforming a historic building into a contemporary family home. By integrating natural materials, preserving original features, and focusing on sustainability, Palladian created a home that is both elegant and respectful of its past. If you’re embarking on your own renovation project, consider Palladian’s innovative techniques as a guide. Embrace the challenge of blending history with modern living to achieve a unique and timeless home.

For more information about The Tile House click here.

About DSGN arcHive

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