# Hayhurst and Co reimagines 1970s townhouse with triple-height void London studio transforms Hampstead home while preserving modernist exterior. - **Source:** [Architecture news and projects | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/50c21201-9cc6-48e0-8a7c-6ea605af10c3) - **Published:** 2026-09-26 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/94e18fe5-5f4d-4159-98ad-335c3ea0bf78 ## Modernist exterior preserved Hayhurst and Co maintained the original 1970s brick facade designed by architects Igal Yawetz and Howard Radley, renewing mortar and adding a subtle timber extension. The five-storey exterior remains intact, with careful restoration of distinctive window handles and proportions. The studio balanced preservation with contemporary interventions, keeping the building's modernist character while updating its functionality. ## Dramatic spatial intervention The architects created a 7.8-meter triple-height void connecting lower ground, ground, and first floors, replacing the enclosed entrance. This vertical space transforms circulation and light distribution throughout the narrow townhouse. The void establishes visual connections between levels while maintaining structural integrity of the original floor plates that were partially removed. ## Double-height dining innovation The former garage with 2-meter ceiling was converted into a double-height dining room, featuring a folded timber ceiling and angled mirrored wall. These design elements reflect daylight and exterior views, inspired by Adolf Loos' American Bar. The ceiling's recessed sections follow the curved stairwell geometry while improving acoustics in the tall space. ## Five distinct staircases The design incorporates five staircase types: marble steps at the entrance, timber between kitchen and dining, a light-filled central stair, preserved circular stair to bedrooms, and enclosed timber to roof terrace. Each serves different functional and aesthetic purposes while maintaining visual continuity through material choices like cherry timber and walnut. ## Material reuse strategy The project extensively reused original materials, including tiles from a sunken bathroom repurposed as a ground-floor handbasin. New elements like oak-framed double glazing complement reclaimed parquet and original window proportions. Hayhurst describes their approach as 'material hacking,' blending preservation with innovation in finishes and fittings. ## Sustainable retrofitting The renovation added modern systems including an air-source heat pump, underfloor heating, and internal insulation while preserving the building envelope. Sustainable upgrades were integrated without compromising the architectural character. Pink-rendered soffits and timber-framed windows demonstrate how contemporary elements can coexist with historic fabric. ## Programmatic reorganization Living spaces were reorganized with the living room on first floor, main bedroom on second, and additional bedrooms on third. The original circular stairwell was insulated and lined with vertical timber, gaining a new curved landing. This vertical zoning creates clear functional separation while maintaining visual connections through the central void. ## Contextual design philosophy The project exemplifies Hayhurst and Co's approach to site-specific design, balancing preservation with transformation. By maintaining the exterior's 1970s character while completely reimagining interior spaces, the studio demonstrates how architectural heritage can accommodate contemporary living. The design respects the building's history while addressing modern spatial and environmental requirements. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/09/26/skinny-hampstead-townhouse-hayhurst-co/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._