Freshly Finished

At the risk of becoming the official fan site for Retrouvius, I had to share this freshly finished, five-storey refurbishment in Primrose Hill with you. I've shared work of theirs before, here, here and here (yes, I know...it's a lot).
The reuse of timber is thoroughly imaginative and the tile details are just perfect. Don't even get me started on that kitchen...

source

Kitchen Envy IV

SERIOUSLY, do kitchens get any better than this? If you've seen any, send me pictures...because I don't believe you.

images and design by Retrouvius. Image 2 previously posted on Yeah...Ok...Bye here

Going Underground

Last night, I watched George Clarke's Amazing Spaces on Channel 4 (UK), the first episode in a new series exploring the way people live in, and transform, small spaces. The highlight for me was this converted underground public toilet in London, cleverly transformed into a beautiful one bedroom home. It's quite incredible how much light floods through the wells from the pavement above. They even have outdoor space...although I'd be quite concerned about the odd drunk using it, and the entrance stairwell, as the space was intended!
Although the final result is certainly amazing, it would have taken some industrial rubber gloves and a ridiculous amount of bleach! What do you think? Would you take on such a mammoth task?
UPDATE: After tweeting Laura Jane Clark, the owner and designer of this underground home, she has clarified that in fact the original tiles in the kitchen were not those of the urinals. They were in fact behind the basins. Much less gross!

images and more info from the Telegraph