Elemental House by Archmongers

Staffordshire red quarry tiles 

Architects - Archmongers

Photography by French and Tye and Jim Stephenson

When renovating his 1970's home in East London, Architect Johan Hybschmann took inspiration from  the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art,in Denmark where he grew up, and  its beautiful brick floors.

Johan and his wife Anita are firm believers in using quality materials that will last and they chose Ketley Staffordshire red clay quarry tiles, laid in a stack bond, throughout the ground floor as well as externally out into the garden, so that the whole space flows as one.  The quarry tile floors in Denmark that Johan grew up around were laid with a light mortar and here the use of a light sand and cement mortar keeps the space light and accentuates the straight lines of the building's framework. 

Johan explains "The tiles were chosen very early on in the design process as they suited the house and project so well. We love living with the tiles and they work seamlessly internally and externally both visually and practically. The tiles were used as a grid to set out the entrance steps, the kitchen plinth and shower room details and this helped to keep the list of needed materials to a minimum. "

Ketley quarry tiles are robust, honest materials,  made to last.  Here in this beautifully renovated modern family home, they fit well with the functionality and practicality of the stainless steek kitchen units, adding to the elegant and  industrial feel.