House of Books by SHH Architects
The remodelling of the ‘House of Books’ in Hampstead, the former home of Labour leader Michael Foot, who was known for covering almost every inch of the property in books. True to the spirit of the house, the new owners are also bibliophiles (owning over 100 linear metres of books) and the property has now been completely reconfigured (including new floors, walls, stairs and rear extension in cedar wood and zinc), ensuring that books remain a central feature, with an aluminium, two-sided bookcase forming a spine around which all five storeys of a spectacular new stair (made of individual steel trays dipped in orange liquid rubber and bolted over individual cantilevered steel hoops) are wrapped. The bookcase also sits within the new steel frame of the house, with all new structural elements bespoke-designed by SHH as part of the project.
Photos courtesy of SHH Architects & Alastair Lever
Related: A Beautiful Family Home Nestled in the Woods of Quebec
We recommend: A Spacious Contemporary Home with Light-Filled Interiors in the Forests of Quebec
Try these: A Stunning Single-Family Home Set in the Pristine Landscape of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Related: A Spectacular Contemporary Home with Majestic Views of the City, Ocean and Mountains in Beverly Hills
Up next: A Simple and Elegant Courtyard Home with Traditional Thai Elements in Nonthaburi
See also: A Spacious and Warm House with High Ceilings and Plenty of Natural Light in Wroclaw, Poland
Read: A Sleek and Bright Contemporary Home Surrounded by Water with Spectacular Views in Amsterdam
What we thought: A Bright and Airy Contemporary Home with Elegant Interiors in Singapore
Read more: An Elegant and Light-Filled Modern Townhouse with a Folding-Up Shutter in Ho Chi Minh
View more: An Eco-Friendly and Comfortable Home with Contemporary Interiors in Ho Chi Minh City
View the complete gallery
