Inside Field House: A Stunning Hackney Home Transformation by Bradley Van Der Straeten

In this video, architects George Bradley and Stephen Roe of Bradley Van Der Straeten take us through their stunning transformation of Field House, a beautifully reimagined home located in Hackney, London. Working closely with homeowners Gemma and Leon, the architects turned what was once a series of small, disconnected rooms into a light-filled, family-friendly space with a strong connection to its surroundings.
The centerpiece of the house is a dramatic triple-height stairwell that connects the lower ground, ground, and first floors, allowing light to pour in from a roof light above and windows on both sides of the home. This central space not only improves circulation but also creates visual links across the house, offering openness while maintaining distinct areas for different activities.
Initially, ideas were explored to extend the house, as is common in similar projects. However, after careful consideration, the architects dismissed the need for an extension and instead focused on maximizing the potential of the existing structure. By removing walls, a narrow staircase, and unnecessary partitions, they unlocked the full potential of the home’s generous proportions. This approach created expansive sightlines and allowed natural light to flood every corner of the house, making the space feel larger and more cohesive without adding any new square footage.
Sustainability played a major role in the design of Field House. This project marked one of Bradley Van Der Straeten’s first uses of cork insulation combined with lime plaster to improve the thermal performance of the building while maintaining its ability to "breathe." This eco-conscious approach ensures that moisture does not get trapped inside the walls, preventing condensation and mold while reducing energy consumption. The team also upgraded the windows with double glazing and installed underfloor heating to enhance energy efficiency and provide a steady, comfortable warmth throughout the home.
In addition to sustainability, the architects placed a strong emphasis on healthy, natural materials. They used reclaimed timber boards for the floors in the existing rooms and modern engineered oak for the central staircase, creating a harmonious transition between old and new. The walls are finished with clay-based paints, which are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), contributing to better indoor air quality and creating a calm, toxin-free environment. These thoughtful material choices, combined with the way light and sound interact in the space, give Field House a serene, welcoming atmosphere.
Field House is a prime example of Bradley Van Der Straeten’s ability to breathe new life into existing buildings, creating modern homes that meet the needs of growing families while respecting the character and integrity of the original structure. Join us on this tour to discover how George, Stephen, and their team skillfully balance design, sustainability, and family living to create a home that truly feels at one with its environment.
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Architecture and Interior Design by Bradley Van Der Straeten
Build by Optimal Build
Filmed and Edited by Christopher Hyndman
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Website - b-vds.co.uk/
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#FieldHouseProject #HomeTransformation #BradleyVanDerStraeten #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #FamilyHome #Londonfields #ArtAndArchitecture #ColorfulHomes #NaturalMaterials #ColourfulHomes

[@David-d2m2c]

beautiful, refined, wonderfully edited, modern family home....loved the finishes and materials

[@bradleyvanderstraeten]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fayepeden1059]

beautiful. and most important was the decision not to add but to open up space.

[@bradleyvanderstraeten]

Thank you and glad you like it

[@mypointofview1111]

I love double fronted houses of different eras. They usually have a good, sensible room layout thats far more versatile in how you choose to use the house as a whole. How this house was opened up from the inside is really creative and improved it far better than simply extending. I live the level of light coming into the house and that it feels welcoming. Really good

[@bradleyvanderstraeten]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words!

[@hintex487]

Love this colors

[@bradleyvanderstraeten]

Thank you!

[@hollowaysteve]

Beautiful and £££££

[@jonathandanaher3601]

Does anyone know the name of the paint on the staircase at 1:22 ?

[@femalenude1]

off white 3 farrow and ball in egg shell

[@mikewinston8709]

Thank God for immigrants on a rainbow background…….ugggghhhhh……..Queers for Palestine too?……😂😂😂😂