Tonal Terrace: A Bold Townhouse Renovation by Bradley Van Der Straeten

Transforming a Historic Townhouse

In the vibrant neighborhood of Dalston, London, architects Bradley Van Der Straeten reimagined a four-story townhouse into a colorful, bohemian residence. Known as Tonal Terrace, this project merges historic charm with modern design, creating a dynamic and functional space tailored to its creative owners, actor Zoe and cinematographer Benedict.

The Client’s Vision: A Home Full of Color and Light

Having previously collaborated with the architects on a Hampstead apartment, Zoe sought a similar transformative approach for her new home with Benedict. The brief was clear: combine two separate dwellings into one unified space, restoring the grand townhouse's original character while introducing vibrant, uplifting interiors.

“Having lived in predominantly white spaces for the past few years, I found myself thirsty for color! I wanted a space that was vibrant and uplifting,” Zoe remarked.

The Existing Structure: A Dual-Purpose Building

Before the renovation, the property consisted of:

• A small basement flat with a separate entrance.
• A family maisonette occupying the upper three floors.

Despite its divided structure, the house boasted generous proportions, bay windows, and a classic Brooklyn townhouse aesthetic that inspired the redesign.

Design Approach: East Coast Meets West Coast

Bradley Van Der Straeten embraced a concept that transitioned from an East Coast townhouse vibe to a bright, mid-century Californian aesthetic. This duality is evident throughout the design, where bold colors, natural light, and functional spaces take center stage.

The Renovation Process

1. Basement Transformation: A Spacious Open-Plan Living Area

The basement underwent the most dramatic transformation:

• Internal walls were removed to create an open-plan space.
• A small single-story extension was added to integrate the interior with the garden.
• The layout was designed with a flow from a bay-windowed kitchen to a rear lounge with full-width sliding doors for natural light and cross-ventilation.

2. Ground Floor: Restoring Historic Charm

The upper ground floor retained much of its original structure, including the through-lounge. Key changes included:

• Converting a former kitchen into a vibrant yellow shower room.
• Installing Crittal glazing under the staircase to separate floors while maintaining light flow.

3. Upper Floors: Flexible and Adaptable Spaces

On the first and second floors, existing walls were largely preserved. Spaces were optimized for adaptability:

• A main bedroom with a walk-through wardrobe and en-suite bathroom.
• A study, guest bedroom, and multipurpose Peloton room on the top floor.

Design Highlights: Color, Light, and Texture

Vibrant Color Palette

Zoe’s love for bold colors influenced every room:

• Basement: Clean LA-inspired whites with burgundy kitchen cabinetry and blue staircases.
• Ground Floor: Bright yellow accents paired with French grey and deep green flooring.
• Upper Floors: Moody tones like downpipe grey in the bedroom and euphorbia green in the bathroom.

Natural Light Solutions

To maximize daylight:

• Full-width sliding doors and rooflights were installed in the basement.
• High-sided rooflights and slender timber joists were used to diffuse light and create rhythm.

Texture and Rhythm

From exposed structural timbers in the ceilings to the vertical balustrades of the staircase, texture was a key element. These details add visual interest and functional design elements, such as concealed under-stair storage.

Sustainability and Functionality

The renovation balanced aesthetics with sustainability:

• Materials like exposed timbers and ash parquet flooring were chosen for their durability.
• Sliding doors provided natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.

A Bold Vision Realized

Tonal Terrace exemplifies the transformative power of architecture, turning a divided townhouse into a cohesive, vibrant home. By blending mid-century influences, natural light, and a bold color palette, Bradley Van Der Straeten crafted a space that reflects its owners’ creative personalities and needs.

All the photographs are work of French + Tye