In 1954, architect Austin Vernon was commissioned to design new homes that would revitalise the Dulwich Estate, which had suffered significant damage during the Second World War. The result was a collection of elegant, modern townhouses that remain highly sought after today. The project included the first floor open-plan reception room with windows at both ends, flooding the space with natural light. Our work focused on this area, along with the hallway and staircase, enhancing the home’s timeless character.
Our client had a keen appreciation for mid-century modern design.
This project took place in a townhouse in Dulwich.
The clients wanted a floor that would be both long-lasting and true to the design era of their home, reflecting the modernism of the 1960s without feeling overly retro. End grain flooring offered the perfect balance: a timeless, characterful solution that complemented the property’s architecture. Working closely with the clients, we refined their vision and guided them through the design process, ensuring they felt confident and excited about their choices. We custom-made the floor in our workshop carefully cutting Scandinavian pine beams into square blocks measuring 92mm x 92mm. By carefully controlling the thickness of each block, we achieved a seamless floor height with future sanding potential — ensuring a lifespan of more than 120 years.
End grain complemented the property’s architecture.
The floor was custom-made using Scandinavian pine beams.
We guided the client through the design process.
A seamless floor height was achieved to ensure a long lifespan.
End grain flooring is a distinctive type of wood flooring. Unlike traditional planks cut lengthwise, end grain blocks are sawn across the grain, revealing the annual rings of the tree. This gives the surface a unique texture, exceptional durability, and a natural warmth that elevates any interior. For more information about this option of flooring, refer to our blog post article End Grain Flooring.
A distinctive type of wood flooring.
The blocks were sawn across the grain, revealing the annual rings of the tree.
The surface of the floor is given a unique texture.
This type of flooring gives a natural warmth that elevates any interior.
Subfloor preparation was a crucial part of this project. To maintain the original floor height, we carefully removed the existing floorboards and installed structural hardwood plywood as the new subfloor. End grain blocks offer exceptional vertical strength thanks to the way they’re cut, and the robust plywood base provides additional stability and support.
Subfloor preparation was a crucial part of this project.
The existing floorboards were removed and a structural hardwood plywood was installed as the new subfloor.
An added benefit of end grain flooring is its excellent acoustic performance. It naturally absorbs sound, reducing any echos and significantly improving impact sound insulation. This creates a quieter, more comfortable living environment.
We replaced the original pine floorboards on the landing which were in a poor condition with engineered oak boards. We utilised our craftsmanship skills to maintain the same floor level for a smooth and seamless transition. The staircase was carefully strengthened by reinforcing its substructure, ensuring lasting stability.
The original painted pine floorboards were replaced with solid oak boards.
The staircase was carefully strengthened by reinforcing its substructure.
To complete the look, the risers and stringers were painted in Farrow & Ball signature Pointing White, while the treads and landing were finished in Farrow & Ball classic Cooking Apple Green, reflecting the home’s warm character. Finally, we applied two coats of Osmo natural pine oil — the first to enhance the colour and the second to provide durable protection. The clients were delighted with the end result.
The risers and stringers were painted in Farrow & Ball Pointing white.
Farrow & Ball Cooking Apple Green added a refreshing finish.
Enhanced colour and double protection with Osmo Natural Pine Oil.
The clients were very happy with the finished work.
Location: Dulwich SE21
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