Fortyfour House by fardaa: A Compact Urban Retrofit Balancing Heritage and Contemporary Living

Fortyfour House, affectionately known by locals as “The Blue House,” is a distinctive residential project in Islington, United Kingdom. Designed by fardaa, this 51 m² retrofit blends historic character with contemporary spatial ingenuity. Tucked between two garages and facing the imposing Victorian St Thomas’ Church, the house stands out with its charming blue façade and rare infill configuration, a common feature along this idiosyncratic street of unique end-conditions and one-off terrace additions.

A Historic Infill Structure with a Local Legacy

Originally built in the 1870s, the home was likely constructed by the owner of the adjacent end-terrace property. Its compact footprint and unusual placement have always captured attention. Designer Edward Farleigh-Dastmalchi, a local resident for a decade, often walked past the property before he and his wife acquired it in 2020. Drawn by its personality, they envisioned adapting the single-bed structure into a two-bedroom home suitable for modern living.

A Complete Retrofit for Energy Efficiency and Better Spatial Flow

Before renovation, the house suffered from outdated construction, poor insulation, and failing windows. The project required a full thermal upgrade and spatial reconfiguration. The design retained the existing façade, flank walls, ground slab, and joists, while extending the rear to the property line on the first floor. A small terrace was preserved at ground level, maintaining outdoor access while enabling expanded interior space.

From the street, changes are subtle: slim-framed windows now sit elegantly within existing arched openings, the parapet has been rebuilt, and the blue façade has been refreshed in a lighter, Wedgewood-inspired shade. These details honor the building’s original charm while giving it a refined, contemporary presence.

Compact, Efficient, and Light-Filled Living

Inside, the ground floor is crafted as a refined, textured volume anchored by three sculptural joinery elements: housing the windows, the staircase, and the kitchen. Each is designed with precision, giving the small space clarity and purpose. The terrace-facing windows fold away completely, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor dining experience and maximizing evening sunlight.

Mirrored upper cabinet doors multiply light and space, offering playful reflections in the compact interior. Material choices: lime render and cork flooring: enhance acoustic comfort, warmth, and sustainability.

Upper-Level Comfort: Skylights, Natural Ventilation, and Layered Textures

The first floor accommodates two bedrooms and a bathroom, each illuminated by skylights that deliver abundant daylight and fresh air. The thoughtful combination of cork flooring and lime-rendered walls results in a warm, tactile atmosphere while improving acoustic performance.

A Model of Sustainable Urban Adaptation

Fortyfour House demonstrates how historic infill structures can be adapted for contemporary lifestyles without sacrificing their unique character. Through subtle exterior interventions and intelligent interior reconfigurations, the architects created a home that honors its past while meeting today’s environmental and spatial needs.

All photographs are works of Agnese Sanvito, Ellen Christina Hancock