Keep calm: Japanese-style home inspired by Turner painting, for sale in north London for £1.25m

The Cloud House near Kensal Rise is inspired by wabi-sabi – the Japanese aesthetic that values transience and imperfection.
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Jess Denham16 July 2018

It's rare to find a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of a manic city, let alone live in one. But a newly-listed north London home inspired by a Turner painting offers the opportunity to do just that.

Japanese architects are behind the beautifully-designed three-bedroom property, named The Cloud House in honour of the serene, heavenly atmosphere it creates.

Clad in silvery timber and hidden behind an inconspicuous fence on Tiverton Road, between Kensal Rise and Queen's Park, the £1.25million house's monastic magic reveals itself the moment you step through the concealed door.

In agreement with the owner, Takero Shimazaki Architects decided to veer away from the modern aesthetic trend for glass houses that blur the lines between public and private.

"From day one, we agreed on the need for more contemplative, less transparent, internally-focused spaces, especially when in an urban setting," they said. "From the street, the house is a hidden, warm, private oasis of tactility and sensual light."

Ultimately, they were guided by the curved arches and pools of light seen in Turner's "Interior of an Italian Church", a masterpiece that exudes a sense of calm reflection, a temporary pause from the stresses of everyday modern life.

Textures abound inside; polished concrete matching the understated tone of the exterior dominates, softened by natural wood and stone and complemented by the darker arched windows. Just enough light flows through these strategic openings to articulate the property's structure and form, helping to establish different spatial zones.

There are clear nods to the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which values flaws, imperfection and natural processes. It is evident in the bare plaster hallway and the reclaimed bird bath sink in the marble herringbone-tiled bathroom.

Upcycling: the bathroom sink is made from a reclaimed bird bath (The Modern House)

Owners Anabel Cutler and Steve Wallington thought long and hard about how best to live in a "noisy, crazy" urban environment before deciding to model the interiors on a spiritual building.

"We wanted to achieve the cool, meditative space of a church, where people could shut the door and find real peace," they said. "The loftiness of the staircase, the play of light and shadow and the simplicity of the materials all add to the sense of quiet and calm."

The master bedroom features a dramatic wall of shuttered concrete, brightened by two high-arched windows overlooking a pebbled courtyard oasis.

Room to breathe: this study/bedroom is a well-lit versatile space (The Modern House)

In another study or relaxation area, a huge circular skylight breaks through an eco-friendly living roof.

The corridor takes you to a glass-floored study space, flooded with light from three pitched-roof skylights, one of which opens to let air circulate.

Downstairs is reached by a concrete spiral staircase like those found in churches, lit by another high-arched window. The supporting brass handrail and aged brass light fittings fit perfectly.

Touch of brass: the handrail and light fittings are bang on trend (The Modern House)

Sunlight trickles through the aforementioned study floor into the open-plan kitchen beneath, where Corian worktops sit elegantly alongside Dornbracht fittings and Miele appliances. Further brightness streams through an open porthole to the staircase.

From here, arched glazing opens onto the garden, where a Japanese Acer tree steals the show, backed up by an outdoor shower for reconnecting with nature at the end of a long day in the office.

"The tree plays a central role; red in spring, green in summer and bare branches in winter," said the owners. "We hope it will be a constant celebration of the seasons and the changing nature of life, as well as bringing oxygen into the space."

Relax with nature: the courtyard garden is a peaceful oasis (The Modern House)

Design-led estate agency The Modern House describes The Cloud House as "a masterfully executed new home" sure to appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.

"Intended to provide refuge from the modern world, this property draws inspiration from Turner and wabi-sabi to comprise a tactile, intimate and considered space," a spokesperson said.

"Owing to the versatility of the space, it would suit anyone sympathetic to the quality of design and level of craftsmanship on display."

Should you ever wish to stray from your urban retreat, the independent shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants and green spaces of both Kensal Rise and Queen’s Park are on your doorstep. There is a local farmers' market every Sunday and you can maintain your zen at the Maqam centre with its swimming pool, cafe and yoga classes.

Transport-wise, the closest station is Kensal Rise, with its London Overground services to Highbury & Islington and Stratford in one direction and Richmond in the other. For the Tube, head to Queen’s Park on the Bakerloo line.

Call The Modern House on 020 3795 5920 for more details.