Stunning oak pivot door and picture window for a reimagined Grade II-listed home in NW5
Tucked into the leafy backstreets of Kentish Town, a Grade II-listed house on Leverton Street has been sensitively transformed by ClementineBlakemore Architects. The project reconfigures the existing property to create a series of generous and flexible spaces for both living and working – including a new loft room, a striking staircase, and a calm, light-filled rear extension.
Sashed was commissioned to design, manufacture and install two key architectural features for this new extension: a full-height oak pivot door and a large picture window, both tailored to blend harmoniously with the understated elegance of the scheme.
Pivot door: refined simplicity in oak
At the heart of the new extension is a bespoke oak pivot door, crafted with precision to complement the scale and rhythm of the space. Externally, the door is finished in Farrow & Ball’s Mizzle (No. 266) – asoft, chalky tone chosen to sit comfortably within the heritage setting. Internally, the oak was treated with a clear lacquer, allowing the natural character and grain of the wood to remain visible and warm.
While visually restrained, the door’s movement brings a sense of quiet drama. Its pivot mechanism, expertly installed and calibrated, allows the tall oak panel to open with ease, forming a sculptural link between interior and garden.
Framing the view with a picture window
Set alongside the pivot door is a large-format oak-framed picture window, also finished in Mizzle to ensure visual consistency. The window draws in light and frames a peaceful garden outlook, helping to define the rear extension as a serene and tranquil space. The clean lines of the frame and the scale of the glazing also lend the window a quiet strength.
Tailored materials and meticulous execution
- Material: Sustainably sourced oak, chosen for its stability, tonal warmth, and timeless appeal.
- Finish: Farrow & Ball Mizzle on external faces; clear lacquer internally for a natural finish.
- Ironmongery: Satin chrome by Allgood — selected for its subtle sheen and enduring quality.
- Installation: Both elements were installed with close attention to detail, ensuring flush lines, smooth operation, and seamless integration with the architecture.
Design-led collaboration in a heritage setting
Sashed worked closely with ClementineBlakemore Architects to realise a joinery package that matched the project’s architectural restraint and clarity. These are not decorative additions – they are considered components of a larger design, helping to showcase the new extension without overshadowing the original character of the home.
For the retired couple who live here, the result is a flexible and beautifully made space that supports both daily living and moments of stillness, where timber, light, and proportion work together in quiet harmony.
