We had a few new followers recently so we thought it was time we introduced ourselves!
Studio 163 is led by us, Tom and LÊa, and we are based between London and Norfolk.
Behind the scenes, we are both actively engaged in all the projects. Working with our clients on a personal level is one of the benefits of being a small practice.
Before founding studio 163 in 2020, we both spent over 10 years working at some renowned Architecture and Urban design practices in London, France, Italy and Spain.
It can be daunting to dip your toe into the world of renovation and construction, but we are here to help you navigate through it.
Do not hesitate to reach out if you have a project in mind regardless of its scale or typology!
Our first consultation is always free, however, for those who want immediate design advice or for projects on the smaller side, we have now launched a bookable design concept workshop service on our website!
đ¸ @_peter_molloy_
AJ RETROFIT & REUSE AWARDS 2025 FINALIST!
We are so proud that our Blue House project has been shortlisted for the @architectsjournal Retrofit and Reuse awards 2025 amongst so many other incredible schemes!
Retaining an existing building, at least in part, is often harder than a knock down and rebuild. It involves a much more careful and time consuming approach yet the benefits are clear with regards to construction waste and the embodied energy required to start from scratch.
Blue House is a building which has reduced its CO2 emissions by between 70-85% and that is down to the clients being open to this approach and giving us the freedom to express ourselves while retaining the essence of the family home.
We want to thank our clients for trusting us and the amazing team that worked with us on it
Contractor: @king_and_company
Structural engineer: @designsecure
Joinery: @fittedfurniturecompany
Kitchen: @nakedkitchens
Photographer: @lorenzozandri
The winners will be announced in Septembre - wish us luck!
#Retrofit #circulardesign #AJretrofitawards2025 #Norfolkarchitecture #studio163
ASCHAM STREET
In the main bedroom, the height of the space is accentuated by floor to ceiling built-in wardrobe.
A stained-oak bespoke desk seems to have been carved out from the built-in joinery. The natural material complements the bronze handles and the dark timber floor.
đ¸ @_peter_molloy_
đˇââī¸ @npconstruction
Joinery: @joynkitchens
#KentishTown #Frencharchitect #kitchendesign ##interiordesign #Kentishtownarchitect
MEADOW HOUSE
We are really pleased to finally be able to share some photos of Meadow House, a project we have been working on for the last year, and which has just been completed.
The project sees a full refurbishment of a 70's bungalow, with the addition of a complete new storey, adding two bedrooms and two bathrooms to the house.
In the roof extension, we purposefully left the rafters exposed to increase the head height and add interest to the rooms.
A soft terracotta pink was chosen for the girl's bedroom. The joinery will be painted to match, but we like how the mdf is matching some of the decor in the space!
ASCHAM HOUSE
The family bathroom was designed to be geometric and playful, the colour of the tiles echoing the original paint colour of that space.
The marble blacksplash and mirrors were reused as we always aim to retain materials where possible.
For the shower alcoves, the tiles were mitred and their size governed the proportions.
đˇââī¸ @npconstruction
đ¸ @_peter_molloy_
#architecture #extension #northlondon #joinery #bathroomdesign
ASCHAM HOUSE
What once was a darker impractical kitchen has been transformed into the heart of the house for this growing family.
We introduced a bright and restrained palette to emphasise the natural light coming through.
The cantilevered stone shelf was the product of a lot of technical discussions, which is a testament to how spaces that feel simple often have been worked through in painful detail behind the scenes
This time, we worked in close collaboration with @joynkitchens and @npconstruction to turn our design into reality!
âī¸ @studio.163
đ¸ @_peter_molloy_
đˇââī¸ @npconstruction
BALMORE HOUSE
A lot is often made of creating a connection from inside to outside on domestic projects.
It forms a lot of the conversations you might hear on tv shows about dream projects where the 'outside is brought in'.
On this project, we wanted to be explicit about how this connection was made.
Where space is a precious commodity, the use of levels, materials, and transparency helps achieve this impression of a more fluid transition from inside to outside.
The recessed pocket sliding doors enable the outdoor terrace to blend with the dining and kitchen spaces.
The centrepiece of the design is the column that dictates the geometry of the extension and creates this strong, cruciform shape, which clearly shows where the house has been extended
âī¸@studio.163
đˇââī¸ @ngc_mk_ltd
đ¸ @_peter_molloy_
#architecture #extension #northlondon #dontmoveimprove #landscapedesign
PLANNING APPROVAL
Amongst several planning wins last week ( more on that soon), we are really excited to have gained consent for the second stage of our Trinity project in East Finchley!
The loft extension is well under way and we can now carry on with the ground, first floor extension and full house refurbishment.
The reddish zinc roof draws inspiration from the local vernacular, where clay tile roofa dominate the landscape and the form of the rear roof creates a more dynamic internal volume and vaulted ceilings.
It allows for a contrast with the first floor element, which appeara to float above it.
We look forward to sharing more as it comes to life.
ASCHAM STREET
A once dark and impractical en-suite has been transformed into a bright wetroom with handmade zellige tiles and recessed ambient lighting.
Swipe for more detailed shots.
đ¸ @_peter_molloy_
đˇââī¸ @npconstruction
#KentishTown #bathroomdesign #interiordesign #Kentishtownarchitect
BALMORE HOUSE
This powder room below the staircase is small but mighty, with playful curves and a bespoke pink terrazzo to complement the rest of the house. The circular mirror and backsplash echoes the circular rooflight in the dining room.
The colour palette for the project was influenced by some of the favourite artwork of the clients
đˇââī¸ @ngc_mk_ltd
đ¸ @_peter_molloy_
#architecture #extension #northlondon #joinery #bathroomdesign
Design Directory Highlight: Studio 163
RIBA Chartered @studio.163 , based in London and Norfolk, is adept at translating its refined aesthetic to demanding contexts. At Balmore House, on the edge of Hampstead and Highgate, a neighbouring footpath shaped a sensitive, privacy-led extension. A circular opening introduces generous natural light, offset by clay plaster walls and limestone paving.
Photography by @_peter_molloy_
ASCHAM STREET
This project, which was completed back in October, was all about transforming what was there. We were not appointed to expand any of the habitable space but to reimagine what the house could be and to help the owners put their own mark on it, while being very aware of budget and timescale ( The fantastic team at @npconstruction completed this project in a very tight 3 months programme!)
The kitchen layout was completely changed to offer a more practical space to this growing family. We worked in close collaboration with @joynkitchens to ensure the essence of the original design was kept.
The existing floor was microcemented, and a new chevron parquet was laid in the living spaces. A new rooflight was installed to match the crittal doors, bringing natural light further into the plan.
đ¸ @_peter_molloy_
đˇââī¸ @npconstruction
