Barretts Grove, Stoke Newington, London, N16

Situated on the boundary between the Dalston Conservation Area and Stoke Newington, this innovative one-bedroom apartment was designed by Amin Taha and was originally named ‘Nordic House’ nodding to its ‘chalet-like’ interior.

Sustainably built using CLT ‘cross-laminated timber’ as both structure and finish eliminated the need for plasterboard walls and finishes such as tiling or paint. This approach simplifies the architectural expression, allowing the inherent qualities of the exposed material to create a warm, tactile and cohesive appearance throughout. At the same time, CLT reduces the building’s embodied carbon footprint.

Accessed via a communal hall, the apartment unfolds as a sequence of seamlessly connected spaces, all wrapped in CLT. The entrance hallway provides generous built-in storage, with underfloor heating running throughout.

The kitchen is neatly integrated, fitted with appliances including two Fisher & Paykel dishwashers, a Gorenje induction hob, and a SMEG fridge and oven. This run of joinery extends into the living area, where shelving accommodates books and objects and large picture windows draw in abundant natural light.

The bedroom is calm and intimate in atmosphere, while the bathroom contrasts subtly with a pale, neutral palette set against the warmth of the timber. Here, rubber is used consistently to line both walls and floor, reinforcing the apartment’s cohesive material language.

Barrett’s Grove is between Dalston and Newington Green, where old East End character meets a constantly evolving cultural and culinary scene. Independent coffee shops like Allpress, The Dusty Knuckle and Pavilion Bakery fuel the neighbourhood’s mornings, while an impressive range of restaurants and eateries keeps the area buzzing into the night. Acclaimed spots like Mangal Ocakbasi, Angelina, Casa Fofo and Little Duck | The Picklery sit alongside vibrant newer arrivals like Acme Fire Cult, Aun and Koya Ko. For more casual bites, Cafe Route and Italo Deli offer relaxed charm, while street food lovers gravitate to Dalston’s Ridley Road Market.

Green escapes aren’t far: Clissold Park, London Fields, Stonebridge Gardens, Hackney Downs, Victoria Park and the tranquil canal paths provide space to breathe, while local venues like EartH and The Shacklewell Arms keep the area alive with music and art late into the evening. With Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland Overground stations offering fast connections across the city, Dalston remains one of London’s most exciting and effortlessly connected neighbourhoods — a place where local spirit and global influence meet on every corner