Lode House – ADC

Small-scale developer Flawk has completed ‘Lode’, a new-build house on a backland plot in Stoke Newington. Designed in collaboration with London studio NIKJOO, the house replaces a single parking space and delivery area behind a convenience store.

The project brief called for a spacious, light-filled home. Working closely with structural engineers AS Construction & Structural Engineering, the team devised a shallow floor plate to achieve generous ceiling heights of up to 2.8 metres. The subsequent layout maximises connections to the outdoors, with two garden spaces enhancing light and flow.

Daylight penetrates deep into the house through tall east-facing windows, skylights, and playful porthole openings that punctuate the west facade. Exposed blockwork in the living spaces and bedrooms has been paired with timber floor joists to reveal the layers of construction while contributing to the building’s thermal mass, while above, a green roof further enhances the home’s energy performance.

Externally, the house’s monolithic form is characterised by deep red brickwork paired with pale pink mortar, referencing the surrounding Victorian terraces and post-war buildings. These elements contribute to the facade’s rhythmic detailing, which, along with steel roof elements and exposed concrete, work together to create a dialogue with the varied streetscape.

Internally, douglas fir window reveals echo this exterior palette, adding warmth and texture. The ground floor comprises an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space, where floor-to-ceiling glazing floods the interior with natural light. A marble worktop anchors the kitchen, complemented by disc-brushed stainless steel cabinetry with oak handles.

Exposed concrete blockwork provides a robust backdrop to these living areas, softened by bespoke furnishings and locally sourced textiles. A custom oversized pocket door separates this space from the entrance hall, which features a WC with a porthole window.

The house also has a staircase with a custom handrail that has been designed by Flawk and fabricated by Atelier WAMA. The stair transitions from concrete and stainless steel at the base to oak on the upper levels. Steel cable balustrades with suspended beads, meanwhile lend a playful yet refined touch, mirrored in bespoke shelving systems throughout the house.

On the first floor are two double bedrooms with built-in storage and ensuite bathrooms, as well as a utility cupboard. Exposed blockwork has been employed here too alongside oak flooring, maintaining visual continuity. Above, a master suite occupies the top floor, complete with a walk-in wardrobe, ensuite, and a secluded roof terrace.

Throughout the property, bespoke objects and furnishings made by local designers have been included, such as hand-cast curtain rings by Jamps, paired with fabric from Hackney Draper, and a hand-carved mirror by Lewis Kemmenoe.

“Flawk stands as a platform for independent design. As well as a developer, I am an emerging designer; that’s my community, so it’s important to collaborate with my peers and champion our work collectively,” said Ashley Law, developer and project designer at Flawk.

Alex Nikjoo, project architect at NIKJOO, added: “It has been an exciting journey to transform an unpromising, concrete car parking space into a vibrant family home, showing what can be done on a relatively small and overlooked site. Together, we have created a building that celebrates local character and context, unlocking potential through creative thinking and small-scale urban design.”