- Interior
- Architecture & development
Vaulting Loft transforms the top floor of a Victorian house in Hampstead, London, into a striking, contemporary family retreat. Designed by MATA Architects, the flat is intended as a base for a family who frequently visits London, offering both comfort and a sense of grandeur. The project combines clever spatial planning with carefully selected materials to create a home that feels light, open, and intimately connected to the historic context of its surroundings.
MATA Architects, founded in 2015 by Dan Marks, is an RIBA-chartered practice known for its sensitivity to context and history. Based in Westminster, the studio works across the full spectrum of residential design, from bespoke furniture and interiors to full-scale homes. Their approach blends old and new, emphasizing sustainability and strategic reuse of materials. Marks brings a wealth of experience from international projects with Ron Arad Architects and Ben Adams Architects, combining experimental design with a grounded understanding of construction and commercial realities. The practice seeks to declutter and simplify, revealing what is essential in each site while improving the lives of future occupants. 
The Vaulting Loft project was made possible by a large roof extension, which replaced the existing top-floor structure and introduced a dramatic 4.8-meter ceiling height. This new volume allowed the previously two-bedroom flat to be reconfigured into three bedrooms, with a mezzanine level suspended above. The roof itself has been exposed and celebrated as a structural feature, creating a rhythm of soaring heights and more intimate low points as one moves through the space. The layout transforms circulation into an experiential journey, balancing grandeur with comfort. 
Van de speelse culturele dialoog in de bar tot de gelaagde stoffen in de hoofdslaapkamer, elke hoek vertelt een verhaal
Materials and finishes contribute strongly to the loft’s character. The sculptural central timber block, crafted in warm oak, forms the backbone of the interior and houses circulation, storage, and a guest toilet. Surrounding it, the floors are finished with Dinesen Douglas Fir engineered timber, while lighting includes bespoke pendants from FLOS and Anour. The kitchen features Hacker cabinetry with Taj Mahal quartzite surfaces, and bathrooms are detailed with microcement, brushed stainless steel, and concrete sinks by Nedev Design. Every element combines tactile warmth with sleek modernity, emphasizing natural textures and high-quality craftsmanship. 
Vaulting Loft brings together striking spaces, rich materials, and thoughtful design. Through clever manipulation of volume and careful detailing, MATA Architects has transformed a historic rooftop into a modern, inviting home. The project demonstrates how architecture can respect history while introducing bold interventions, creating a space that feels expansive and personal. It stands as an example of thoughtful design that enriches everyday life and elevates the experience of living in London.
Photography by Nathan Photos
Text by Ellen De Meyer