How one family transformed an end-of-terrace in a London cul-de-sac into a sustainable home with a California vibe
Vic and Tyson Benton are each sitting in the spot that feels most like home: Vic on a built-in corner sofa, Tyson at the dining table under a slatted skylight. Their baby twins are napping, their toddler is at nursery and in a bright, open-plan kitchen, dining and living space – the heart of this home – they have been switching between work and lunch. The room, with a terracotta-tiled floor that extends into the garden, is split across two levels, and the three living areas revolve around a poured-concrete centrepiece, with a plant shelf on top and a bookshelf below.
To the right is an extended kitchen island and the dining area; to the left, two steps lead up to a lounge with a deep-red rug and comfy seating. A large steel column and beam, painted a striking blue, form an arch through the middle of the space. Timber ceiling trusses are left exposed beneath a skylight: one of them conceals a pull-down projector screen. The space is joyful and bright. Hopeful, even.