Layers of coarse clay line the walls of this London apartment, which has been overhauled by architect Simon Astridge to include a bathing area with tatami matting and smoked-oak panelling.

London-based Astridge refurbished the one-bedroom apartment on the top floor of a Victorian mid-terraced property to reference the Japanese heritage of the clients.

The project is named Clay House after the rough layers of clay applied to the walls ? which the architects liken to the raw texture, or arakabe, common in Japanese homes. The technique, which creates an unfinished appearance, also eliminates the need to skim with plaster and paint.

"The clay also adds a beautiful depth to the wall that cannot be achieved through decoration," said Astridge. "It also relates to the traditional arakabe textures found within the owner's native Japanese territories."
As part of the renovation, Astridge turned the roof space into a lounge, kitchen and dining room with the two existing brickwork walls that run lengthways left exposed.

Read more on Dezeen: https://www.dezeen.com/2017/02/02/clay-house-simon-astridge-japanese-style-london-apartment-renovation/

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