The Stirks

The Stirks 1930's house renovation is another great example of our close working relationship with Gagarin Studio – one of the region’s leading architectural practices and a team we’re really pleased to be working with more and more. In fact, Gagarin recommended us to this job’s client right from the word go: a testimony to the practice’s confidence in us and, with several successful projects already under our collective belts, a sure sign of our partnership’s maturity. The fact that our two businesses share the same values and standards makes us a natural fit for each other.

Located in Huntington on the outskirts of York, this project involved the extensive redevelopment of a large, 1930s family home which backs nicely onto the River Foss. The client’s vision for their property was clear from the start: in their own words, they wanted “to create a home that is a gallery for living in”. To deliver the desired look and feel of the brief it was crucial that we achieved a real harmony between the fabric and layout of the building itself and our own design and joinery. Of course, consistent materials, finishes and attention to detail were essential, not least to help the smooth, seamless transitions between different areas of the home.

In all, we created several elements of this stunning interior. A Wood & Wire kitchen transitions into a hallway and TV area in one direction and a dining area with window reveals in the other. We created a utility room and pantry too, along with an annex office area complete with window seat, plus another window seat in a snug area. Upstairs, we created a headboard, wardrobe and room partition for the master bedroom as well as washstands, cabinets and sliding door wardrobes for the en-suite and house bathrooms.

In terms of our involvement in this project, though, the real star has been the beautiful integrated staircase and bookcase – a piece we’re particularly proud of. Being careful to honour the brief’s stipulation that there shouldn’t be any loud grabs for attention, the staircase manages to be timeless and understated yet still provide the kind of satisfying spatial experience that makes it a joy to use and a talking point for guests.

Overall, there’s a real sense of seamlessness and unity in this interior, made possible by continuous lines and a shared palette of birch ply and oak veneer throughout. Calming, natural and homogenous are the words that spring to mind. As with all our completed projects though, the greatest satisfaction for us comes from seeing the vision come to life, and hearing the client’s delight with their unique new space and the lifestyle it makes possible.