Lismore House by Manuel Urbina Studio

A semi-detached property in Wimbledon set the stage for a two-phase renovation that reconciles the home’s original character with a distinctly modern architectural language. Manuel Urbina Studio led the design, working alongside Creative Living Development and structural engineer Banfield Wood to reconfigure the interior room by room.

“We wanted the material palette to let the spaces speak for themselves, letting beautifully curated raw tones do the talking. It’s the simplicity of ‘less is more’, achieved without excess. Each space has its own character, telling its own story through textures and mood.”

— Manuel Urbina

Phase one (now complete) delivered a full internal reconfiguration, including a new ensuite to the master bedroom and a reconfigured, modernised family bathroom.

In the family bathroom, marble takes the lead as a feature wall, framed by microcement across the walls and ceiling and grounded by large-format floor tiles. Brushed brass fittings and a statement freestanding bath complete the scheme, giving the room a restrained, cohesive feel.

The ensuite takes a more playful turn. A marble niche and vanity anchor the space, set against nude-toned microcement walls and ceiling and terrazzo flooring. Brushed brass fittings create a subtle connection between the two bathrooms without making them feel alike.

Phase two will extend the brief further with a wraparound rear extension, adding a bedroom and reworking the ground floor into an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space.

For Manuel Urbina Studio, the relationship with ABI extends beyond this project.

“Our collaborative partnership with ABI is nothing short of foundational to our specifications as architects. We share the same design philosophy: our process begins with refining design solutions, taking the big idea and stripping it back to its simplest form, allowing us to appreciate and consider broader ideas about how we live and what we truly value.

We always find a home for ABI’s range of products, whether on contemporary or more traditional heritage projects. Their products are timeless and varied in finish and style, so we can confidently trust they’ll look good, perform well, and offer great quality.

The service is the cherry on top, making our lives so much easier. The team are attentive, quick to respond, efficient with quotes, and reliably get products shipped within the week.”

— Manuel Urbina BA (Hons). MArch. ARB. Director + Architect, Manuel Urbina Studio