Jubilee Street, London, E1 3

Conceived by architect Rupert Scott, The Gin Distillery is a remarkable former warehouse that has been reimagined into a light filled home, that finely balances architectural clarity and practicality. The project was completed in 2018 and awarded a RIBA London Award soon after. Occupying what was once part of a working London gin distillery, the building has been carefully repurposed to unfold as a warm and inviting home.

Set discreetly behind a high wall that affords an unexpected level of privacy for a city dwelling, black steel courtyard steps rise to the front door. Inside, the ground floor has been designed to make clever use of its soaring ceiling heights, with large Crittall windows drawing light deep into the plan. A stove fireplace anchors the living area, its flue pulling the eye upwards towards a further skylight above.

The open-plan kitchen and dining area create an exceptionally sociable space. Integrated appliances and sleek cabinetry maintain the minimalist aesthetic, while open shelving offers room to introduce character and carefully chosen accoutrements. A dining table sits to the right of the space next to a window which frames the foliage outside. The material palette used throughout includes exposed steelwork, polished concrete and exposed timber joists running overhead, nodding to the building’s industrial heritage.

To the rear of the ground floor, a shower room is tucked neatly behind the kitchen, alongside a study and one of the three bedrooms. A black steel staircase rises to a bright landing, from which the two further bedrooms unfold.

Here, Scandinavian redwood ceilings soften the architecture, lending warmth and tactility to the upper level. An enclosed roof terrace provides a completely private and tranquil outdoor retreat, while verdant aspects from multiple angles reinforce a sense of living among greenery, despite the urban setting. The bathroom features a free-standing, reclaimed bath-tub along with a walk-in shower and plenty of storage space.

The building features three distinct outdoor spaces: a courtyard, a roof terrace, and an additional (unofficial) terrace for potted plants, accessed through a window. Special attention has been given to the front courtyard, adorned with trailing ivy, a voluminous palm tree, and a galvanised steel planter filled with evergreens, creating a lush counterpoint to the industrial setting.

Additionally, the property includes a sizable basement, accessed via a door at the front of the home. Plans have been drawn up to support the extension of the internal space, offering excellent potential for a gym, wine cellar or additional accommodation.