Architecture studio APA has renovated a Victorian townhouse in London's Canonbury neighbourhood, creating a bright and open interior intended to recreate the spaciousness of a converted warehouse (+ slideshow).

The terraced property built in the 1860s had previously been subdivided into two flats, but its new owners asked APA to reinstate the original internal arrangement and make the most of its large dimensions.

"The clients, who had moved from a warehouse conversion, were drawn to the end-of-terrace property for its unusually wide proportions," said the architects.
"This renovation brings the scale and light of warehouse living to a traditional London townhouse," they added.

Due to its location within a conservation area, it was necessary for the property's main facade to retain its original appearance, with visible signs of the renovations limited to the interior and rear elevation.
Full-width glazing added to the rear of the building opens up the previously dingy lower levels to the garden and allows natural light to penetrate deep into the internal spaces.

The floor of the lower-ground level was lowered to increase the ceiling height of the kitchen, and a double-height space was created adjacent to the stairwell.

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Sliding doors connect the kitchen and the new atrium with an outdoor terrace. The kitchen's concrete f...