The Cassell Street House was originally one of a row of heritage graded Edwardian buildings. The local planning authority required the replacement building to comply with the character of the neighbourhood. This was interpreted as a building that would imbue a sense of history, something typical of B.E Architecture’s work – a building that belongs to a time prior to itself, whilst still remaining contemporary.
Travertine, rusticated timber and steel make up the limited palette of materials. Sourced from opposite ends of a single quarry to create the varying colours in the stone, allowed the architects to create a Byzantine style of patterning on the façade that references the owner’s heritage. The use of travertine and the Miesian column is reminiscent of the Barcelona pavilion designed at a time which ironically parallels the Edwardian era.
Designed for a larger-than-life local identity, the house had to speak to the masculinity of its owner but also maintain a casual, comfortable feel. Oiled oak floors and matte walnut cabinetry were designed to negate the formality of the building form, creating a casual feel best suited to the owner’s lifestyle.