Carl Trenfield adds perforated timber around the rooms and stairs of a London home
A ribbon of pale wood wraps the interior of this split-level flat renovated by architect Carl Trenfield, encompassing kitchen units, storage cupboards and a staircase.
![Split Level Apartment, Snaresbrook by Carl Trenfield Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Split-Level-Apartment-Snaresbrook-by-Carl-Trenfield-Architects_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
The birch ply lining sweeps around the upper floor of the apartment, before becoming a staircase that features balustrades perforated with a design of dots and crosses.
These steps lead down to a master bedroom, guest room and bathroom.
![Split Level Apartment, Snaresbrook by Carl Trenfield Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Split-Level-Apartment-Snaresbrook-by-Carl-Trenfield-Architects_dezeen_468_3.jpg)
Carl Trenfield designed the integrated furniture for a 72-square-metre split-level apartment within a Victorian property in Snaresbook, east London, which is used by a couple as their second home.
![Split Level Apartment, Snaresbrook by Carl Trenfield Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Split-Level-Apartment-Snaresbrook-by-Carl-Trenfield-Architects_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
"Our approach sought to introduce a new datum, that effectively wraps the upper floor, hosts built-in furniture and continues to form the new stair, terminating at the lower ground level," said Trenfield.
![Split Level Apartment, Snaresbrook by Carl Trenfield Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Split-Level-Apartment-Snaresbrook-by-Carl-Trenfield-Architects_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
"We like to think of this datum, or ribbon of sorts, as a reinterpretation and reinstatement of the traditional dado rail and panel – often found in such properties."
![Split Level Apartment, Snaresbrook by Carl Trenfield Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Split-Level-Apartment-Snaresbrook-by-Carl-Trenfield-Architects_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
The period property had been stripped of many of its original features in earlier renovation works, "rendering the sleeping spaces both visually cold and unwelcoming", according to the architect.
![Split Level Apartment, Snaresbrook by Carl Trenfield Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Split-Level-Apartment-Snaresbrook-by-Carl-Trenfield-Architects_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
The perforated pattern on the staircase was added as a reference to the ornamentation the property would have had, and allows a little extra light to filter down to the lower floor. A row of 8-millimetre-thick copper rods enclose the lower flight of steps.
![Split Level Apartment, Snaresbrook by Carl Trenfield Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Split-Level-Apartment-Snaresbrook-by-Carl-Trenfield-Architects_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
The staircase and bespoke furniture was hand-crafted by joiner Adam Stevenson, who has collaborated with the studio on several previous projects. Stevenson used a combination of CNC and laser cutting, as well as hand-turning, to create the pieces.
![Split Level Apartment, Snaresbrook by Carl Trenfield Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Split-Level-Apartment-Snaresbrook-by-Carl-Trenfield-Architects_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
Photography is by Daniel Hewitt and Carl Trenfield Architects.
Project credits:
Architect: Carl Trenfield Architects
Master craftsman: Adam Stevenson
Plywood CNC fabrication: Cut and Construct
Woven vinyl flooring: Bolon
Sanitaryware: Villeroy and Boch
Supplier of laminated worktop and table: Burton Laminates
![Split Level Apartment, Snaresbrook by Carl Trenfield Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Split-Level-Apartment-Snaresbrook-by-Carl-Trenfield-Architects_dezeen_2.gif)
![Split Level Apartment, Snaresbrook by Carl Trenfield Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/Split-Level-Apartment-Snaresbrook-by-Carl-Trenfield-Architects_dezeen_3.gif)