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Simon Astridge’s Plywood House: Raw Materials in a Victorian Remodel

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Simon Astridge’s Plywood House: Raw Materials in a Victorian Remodel

August 5, 2016

“We talk to our clients a lot about verbs instead of nouns,” says Simon Astridge. “When you think about things that happen in spaces, what people actually do, that’s what we focus on: dreaming and sleeping, gathering around tables and cooking.”

We discovered Astridge’s active architecture via our friends at Freunde von Freunden, who recently spotlighted his best-known remodel, a South London row house in which Astridge gracefully wove three contemporary extensions into the existing Victorian framework. The cost-conscious overhaul—it was featured on the BBC2 program The £100K House—employs a palette of raw materials: “concrete, plywood, brickwork, natural stone, and the sky. The sky is ultimately the most important material in this entire project,” Astridge told FvF. “How the light changes, how it feels when it’s raining. It’s all about how you experience the space.” Join us for a look up and around.

Photography by Dunja Opalko, courtesy of FvF.

architect simon astridge's kitchen at plywood house, a london victorian remodel 17

Above: In the back of the house, Astridge inserted a kitchen and dining area with exposed structural elements: Walls of six-inch-wide concrete—cast on site—meet a plywood framework, stainless kitchen canopy, and expansive skylights over original brickwork. There’s a pantry area on the other side of the wall.

architect simon astridge's kitchen at plywood house, a london victorian remodel 18

Above: Like the kitchen island, the long counter is topped with hard-wearing reconstituted stone (for sourcing ideas, see Architects’ Budget Kitchen Countertop Picks). The pulls are waxed steel “shaped to easily grip with fingers,” notes Astridge. The tiled backsplash is sized just bigger than the inset sink.

architect simon astridge in the kitchen at plywood house, a london victorian re 19

Above: Astridge on a visit to his project. A window seat and steel-framed door connect the kitchen to a brick patio. The aluminum pendant lights are Bramah Lights by EOQ and the clock is the Farfetch Retro Modern Calendar Clock.

seamless skylights at architect simon astridge's plywood house, a london victor 20

Above: A structural wall serves as a display ledge beneath the kitchen addition’s frameless skylight. Astridge told us, “The whole project fuses together old bricks, concrete new walls, and new roof lights to allow the free and abundant material, the sky.”

the moody blue parlor at plywood house, a london victorian remodel by architect 21

Above: The well-preserved parlor received a refresh with moody blue paint from Farrow & Ball and lilac window shades.

the moody blue parlor at plywood house, a london victorian remodel by architect 22

Above L and R: Black and blue are a good combination.

the moody blue parlor at plywood house, a london victorian remodel by architect 23

Above: The trio of pendant lights were an affordable find from Heal’s. For similar designs, see Rothchild & Bickers.

simon astridge bathroom remodelista 24

Above: Rough meets refined: Astridge incorporated reclaimed yellow bricks, a signature of old London, into a bath with a sink of Cotswold limestone and Vola brushed bronze taps.

plywood house astridge remodelista 25

Above: A birch plywood stair leads to the bedroom loft addition that earned the house its name.

Simon Astridges Plywood House Raw Materials in a Victorian Remodel portrait 8 26

Above: “Elevated above the original brickwork and overlooking the cool steel and concrete of the ground floor kitchen extension, the master suite was designed, says Simon, ‘as somewhere you want to retreat,'” writes FvF.

plywood house astridge remodelista 2 27

Above: The plywood extends into the master bath.

plywood house astridge bathroom 10 28

Above L and R: A sink for two of Cotswolds sandstone—made in the Cotswolds and fitted on site—and matte black Vola taps.

Continue touring the project at Freunde von Freunden, and find more at Simon Astridge Architecture Workshop.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Plywood House in London?

The Plywood House is a unique residential property designed by architect Simon Astridge. It is located in London and features a stunning, minimalist design and extensive use of plywood throughout the interior.

What inspired the design for the Plywood House?

According to Simon Astridge, the design for the Plywood House was inspired by Japanese architecture and the traditional use of timber in construction. The use of plywood allowed for a warm and natural aesthetic while also being cost-effective and sustainable.

What are some of the unique features of the Plywood House?

Some of the unique features of the Plywood House include its distinctive facade made entirely of ply, its open-plan living spaces that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor areas, and its interior design that showcases the beauty of plywood.

What materials were used to construct the Plywood House?

As the name suggests, plywood is the predominant material used in the construction of the Plywood House. Other materials include concrete and steel, which were used to create the structure and provide support.

What is the cost of the Plywood House?

The cost of the Plywood House is not publicly available, as it likely varies depending on factors such as location, size, and materials used. However, it is designed to be a cost-effective and sustainable building, so it may be a more affordable option for those looking for a unique and eco-friendly home.

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