LOGGIA HOUSE BRAZILIAN-BRUTALIST HOME BY HOUSE OF EM
London-based architecture and interiors studio House Of EM- the new practice by former Michaelis Boyd directors Emma Bodie and Matthew Sanders- has completed a renovation and extension in Kensal Rise for a young family of four.
Designed for clients Anthony and Roberta, Loggia House includes a ground-floor rear extension, internal alterations throughout, and preparatory work for a future dormer extension, all enhancing scale and functionality for the family to enjoy.
At House Of EM, every project begins with gaining an understanding of its surroundings- the site, the local context, and the clients’ lived experience. For Loggia House, the same approach guided the transformation of this previously fragmented and dated children’ s nursery into a cohesive, contemporary residence. The existing front living spaces were preserved to maintain character, while the rear of the house; formerly consisting of small, impractical U-PVC extensions and a cramped kitchen, was entirely reworked.
The new design maximises the connection between the interior and the garden. Central to this vision is the sunken loggia at the rear, a defining architectural feature of the house and a unique design element within the local streetscape. Lowered approximately 500 millimetres below the main floor, the loggia creates an indoor“ room” within the garden- an intimate, concretelined space that bridges inside and outside. Glazing along the extension opens completely, encouraging fluid interaction and conversations from indoors to outdoors. Built-in seating reinforces this connection, drawing family members toward the edge and encouraging relaxed, everyday use.
The loggia draws on Roberta’ s Brazilian heritage and Anthony’ s strong visual sensibility, combining a tactile material palette with a focus on family connection. Its configuration supports social interaction, allowing meals, leisure, and conversation to flow naturally between spaces. Since moving in, the clients have adopted the loggia as a central part of daily life.
54- REFURB & RESTORE