Dezeen Magazine

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

The staircase in this west London house by Tigg Coll Architects has a glass balustrade and open treads to allow light to flood through from above (+ slideshow).

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

The three-storey maisonette in Kensington was completely overhauled by the architects, with the original staircase, floors and internal partitions removed.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

The oak treads of the new staircase cantilever off an exposed brick wall.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

A skylight is fitted above the stairwell in the sloping roof.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

A double-sided wine rack is built into the wall between the kitchen and staircase.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

We recently featured another London townhouse with a striking staircase – see it here.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

See all our stories about staircases »

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

Photographs are by Andy Matthews.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

Here's some more information from Tigg Coll Architects:


Designed for a young client who wanted to convert his standard maisonette in Kensington, London, into a contemporary loft apartment for entertaining.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

All the internal partitions, floors and existing staircase of this triplex apartment were removed, presenting a blank canvas of the existing structure.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

The new staircase is cantilevered off an exposed brick clad wall imported from Denmark and runs the full height of the house, concealing the structural steelwork behind.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

The oak-clad open treads and cantilevered glass balustrade allow light to flood down from the rooflight high above, as well as allowing light to filter through from both the front and rear windows.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

The previously small living spaces are now open-plan with the kitchen at the heart, between the reception and mezzanine dining area.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

The purposefully designed double-sided wine rack and openings in the staircase allow a separation of space yet also a connection, with glimpses through to the spaces beyond and above.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

On the upper floor, the existing double butterfly roof was exposed and new ceilings installed to follow these lines, allowing ceiling heights throughout to be maximised and sculptural.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

The new rooflight nestles in the roof pitch of the resultant space over the staircase.

Butterfly Loft Apartment by Tigg Coll Architects

Contract value: Approx £450,000
GIA: Approx. 1500 sqft