da vinci house

2014: london; 2no. private duplex penthouses; new-build extension; 730sqm internal

two new build penthouses over an existing building in Central London

stair leading to terrace in double-height entrance hall

The main entrance hall, with stairs leading up to the reception areas and roof terraces.

panoramic view of London through steel structure

A panoramic view of the main reception area under construction, with wide views looking south, east and west over London. St Pauls is in the centre, with the Shard behind.

St Paul's Cathedral at night merged with reflections of the interior space.

floating timber treads wrap around red steel post

An oak stair winds three storeys, floating up through the centre of the home

Site

Da Vinci House involved the construction of three new levels over an existing building, to form two penthouses of 750sqm plus over 300sqm of roof gardens. The building sits on a tight urban site at the corner of Saffron Hill with St Cross Street, close to Farringdon Station.

The original 5 storey building was previously commercial in use – we understand it housed the printing works for the former ‘Punch’ magazine - and was converted to residential apartments in 1995.

Concept

The entrance halls to both penthouses are at the heart of the design, and are designed to lead visitors up to main reception areas on the upper levels.

isometric sketch of main reception rooms

The entrance halls to both penthouses are at the heart of the design, and are designed to lead visitors up to main reception areas on the upper levels.

double-height space with view of St Pauls beyond

Double-height spaces open onto long vistas over London, with St Pauls and the Shard in the distance, and maximise daylight.

child in window overlooking St Pauls and the London skyline

The circulation within the apartment responds to the London skyline, opening up the interior to dramatic framed views.

Night view looking east towards the City of London, with one of the rooftop pavilions to the left.

West Terrace, before the landscaping is in place.

Transparency

perspective sketch of floating staircase

Section through the staircase of Penthouse 1, showing the route from the Entrance Hall up through the building.

view of living room with Saint Pauls Cathedral in background

wooden steps between glass in front of blue wall

The city skyline is reflected through the apartment

Details

A detail in the Master Dressing room joinery.

limestone wetroom with steam, bath and shower

The spacious walk-in limestone wetroom, with bath, shower, bench and steam unit, with window into the dressing area beyond.

bathroom with Bisazza mosaic and Pyrolave blue counter

Office cabinets and storage are hidden behind a display area for a collector's comic collection on the storage doors.

The deep blue custom bookcase on the living room wall contrasts with the expansive glazed walls facing the roof terrace and city beyond.

Drawings

The upper floor layout contains the main reception areas and kitchens, with glazed walls opening onto roof terraces. In the plan can be seen the dividing Party Wall which separates the two flats.