Redefining London Living

by Chris Forsdike

25th September 2024

As we open submissions for 2025, it's time to reflect on the incredible transformations that have taken home improvement to new heights in recent years. Each year, London’s most innovative home designs have impressed with their creativity, functionality, and thoughtful integration into the city’s diverse architectural landscape. Our past winners exemplify these principles, showcasing how extensions, renovations, and reconfigurations can redefine urban living.

Let’s take a journey through our winners from 2021 to 2024.

2021 Home of the Year: House Recast

View Project | Studio Ben Allen | French + Tye

The 2021 Don't Move, Improve! award went to House Recast, a striking transformation by Studio Ben Allen. This bold renovation made a statement by using precast concrete panels to reconfigure a 1950s terraced house. The home’s original character was retained while adding a contemporary twist that provided warmth and texture, using eco-conscious materials.

House Recast reimagined the flow of space with clever design choices. The interplay of light and shadow created a dynamic living environment, proving that sustainability and style can go hand-in-hand. It was an outstanding example of how modern architecture can merge with traditional homes, setting a high bar for future submissions.

2022 Home of the Year: Little Brownings

View Project | Archmongers | French + Tye

In 2022, Little Brownings by Archmongers stole the show. This project revitalized a three-bedroom house in Dulwich, turning a formerly cramped space into an open and airy home. The extension maximized natural light through large glass doors and skylights, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

The clever use of vibrant colours, built-in furniture, and a family-friendly layout made Little Brownings not only visually striking but also highly functional for a growing family. The project demonstrated that even modest spaces could be transformed into vibrant, joyful homes through thoughtful, playful design.

2023 Home of the Year: The Secret Garden Flat

View Project | Nic Howett Architect | Henry Woide

Our 2023 winner, The Secret Garden Flat, designed by Nic Howett Architect, encapsulated the importance of outdoor space in urban homes. This lower-ground floor flat in Tufnell Park was given new life by creating a lush, secluded garden that became an integral part of the home’s living space.

The project was not just about creating a stunning outdoor area; it also expanded the interior footprint with a small but impactful extension. The harmonious blending of indoors and outdoors made this flat a hidden gem, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. The Secret Garden Flat showcased how nature can be woven into even the most urban of environments, making it a stand-out in 2023.

2024 Home of the Year: Aden Grove

View Project | Emil Eve Architects | Taran-Wilkhu

Our most recent winner, Aden Grove, by Emil Eve Architects, took the 2024 title with its minimalist elegance. This project transformed a Victorian house in Stoke Newington, stripping it back to its essential elements and creating a calm, serene space with clean lines and natural materials.

The judges were particularly impressed by how the design balanced openness and privacy, with a central courtyard that allowed light to flood the interior without compromising the home's quiet sanctuary feel. The understated beauty of Aden Grove demonstrates how minimalism can lead to a truly timeless space.

 

Each of our past winners tells a unique story of innovation, showing that with imagination and the right design approach, any home can be transformed into a modern masterpiece. We can’t wait to discover what the next year will bring.