Project: Vault House
Architects: Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects
Project Architect: Stephen Roe
Location: De Beauvoir Town, East London, UK
Year 2020
Image Credits © French + Tye
Text by Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects
This project takes it name from the two new large vaulted roof windows that flood the dining space with natural light. The distinctive sloping, plywood sides to the vaults open out the view to make the space feel spacious and dynamic. The plywood theme is continued on one wall face, with fitted storage and with a long bespoke dining bench where the owners can sit and admire the view.
The new kitchen overlooks the dining space and is set underneath an exposed timber joist ceiling. Behind the timber joists is another roof window that brings natural light into the kitchen, but rather than bouncing off the side of vaults, the light here dapples through the timber joists providing a cosier, more atmospheric space.
From both the kitchen and the dining areas, the beautiful South facing garden can be accessed through Crittall doors.
One of the most dramatic changes to this property is the new side extension at the front, which is unassuming from the street but once inside it creates enough space for a new triple height staircase that floods light into the property. As well as the inspiring volumes, the stair is defined by a handcrafted Oak swept handrail that sweeps up all three floors of the property.
Subtle changes have been made to the existing areas of the property, including a new walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom and a new study room above the kitchen. Externally the project appears as a staggered ziggurat wrapping around the existing building. The new flat roofs are covered with a natural sedum roof and swift boxes have been installed in the side elevation, which welcome these rare birds once every year.
The new kitchen extension is accessed underneath this stair, and the corridor linking hallway and kitchen cleverly conceals a cloaks cupboard, utility cupboard, clothes drying space and downstairs toilet with a unique arched ceiling.
One of the real delights of the Vault House is the contrast between the original spaces, with traditional covings and Georgian proportions, contrasted with the strikingly different kitchen extension.
