### Modern Transformation of Loggia House
House of EM, an innovative architecture firm based in London, has embarked on a transformative project in the heart of north London, breathing new life into a classic terraced house. Known as Loggia House, the renovation redefines traditional living spaces by introducing a sunken rear extension that blurs the boundaries between indoor convenience and outdoor enjoyment, making it an ideal habitat for a young family of four.
### A Purposeful Design
The duo behind House of EM, Emma Bodie and Matthew Sanders, formerly directors at Michaelis Boyd, aimed to modernize the two-storey property situated in Kensal Rise. The project centers around enhancing connectivity between the interior and the garden, realizing the client’s dream of a bright, functional living space that supports family interactions and social gatherings.
### Innovative Exterior and Structure
At the heart of the extension’s design are prefabricated concrete panels, expertly developed in collaboration with the construction team to achieve a unique color and texture. This choice of material reflects a contemporary approach while ensuring the extension resonates with the existing structure. The design features thoughtfully placed bands of brick that tie together the new elements with the old, providing a cohesive elevation.
### Revamping the Interior
Inside, the traditional layout of small, isolated rooms has been replaced by a light-filled, open-plan arrangement. This revamp not only enhances the spatial dynamics of the house but also aligns the design with the family’s contemporary lifestyle. In a strategic move, the architects maintained the original character of the living spaces at the front of the house while eliminating impractical U-PVC extensions at the rear.
### Defining Spaces with Levels
One of the signature features of Loggia House is its sunken extension, lowered approximately 500 millimeters below the main floor level. This design choice creates a distinct area known as the “loggia,” a versatile space lined with large sliding windows that open up to nature. The lowered setting fosters a cozy atmosphere, transforming the loggia into a unique room that retains a strong visual connection to the family areas.
### A Reference to Global Design
The loggia’s architectural narrative draws inspiration from the clients’ affinity for Scandinavian and Brazilian design aesthetics. Influences can be traced to the works of renowned modernist architects, including Lina Bo Bardi and Paulo Mendes da Rocha. These references enrich the design, manifesting in the use of materials and open spaces that invite natural light and evoke warmth.
### Harmonizing Materials
A deliberate choice of materials defines the overall aesthetic, marrying concrete’s robustness with the inviting touch of stained-oak joinery. This balance reflects the Brazilian brutalist influence, while the introduction of high ceilings and expansive windows ensures that light permeates throughout the living spaces, creating an uplifting atmosphere.
### Adapting the Upper Levels
On the first floor, the design consolidates a former bedroom and bathroom into a spacious family bathroom, enhancing functionality without sacrificing style. The ceiling in the rear bedroom has been raised to the eaves, further adding an airiness to the second level, which showcases the thoughtful planning invested in every corner of the home.
### A Bold Approach
House of EM’s design of Loggia House is celebrated for its experimental approach to the typical London extension. The architects successfully integrate bold material choices and innovative spatial layouts to arrive at a contemporary solution that feels both cohesive and refreshing. This project exemplifies what it means to marry modern living with architectural exploration.
### Visionaries Behind the Transformation
Founded in 2020, House of EM is dedicated to creating grounded yet adventurous residential and commercial environments. Bodie and Sanders continue to push the boundaries of architecture, as evidenced by their work not just on Loggia House, but also on other unique projects like a butterfly-shaped residence in the Cotswolds and a Moxy hotel in New York City.
### A Success Story in Modern Architecture
Photographed by Henry Woide, the Loggia House stands as a testament to what is possible in residential design when creativity meets practicality. This project invites a new narrative for family living in London, one that celebrates openness, interaction, and the seamless interplay between indoors and outdoors.