HOUSE OF GREY

London-based House of Grey is by far no ordinary interior design studio that offers its clientele traditional design solutions mixed in with the signature aesthetic of the designer. The studio for the past decade has been refining its methodology and approach to design that delves into a deeper notion of not just integrating sustainability into its practice, but eliminating the environmental impact altogether. The studio has been pioneering its way through integrating Salutogenic Design principles within its programme. “Salutogenic Design’s simple aim is to build structures that make people healthier, a principle that originated in the construction of the world’s leading modern hospitals”. 

The studio’s founder Louisa Grey explains “we are no longer simply finding design solutions, our work is now focused on eliminating the problem altogether. We have evolved to a place where we choose to work with materials and resources that are good for human health and have a positive ‘Cradle to Cradle’ ® impact on the planet.” 

The studio’s recent Highgate residential project is a clear example that expresses the way the studio’s aesthetics and philosophies, which are based on Salutogenic Design have been woven into one. The project demonstrates how the studio was able to provide its clients with a home retreat, but at the same time enabling them to be able to invest in their health and contentment as a whole.  

As part of the creative process, the studio collaborated with artists and makers who were progressive in producing products that had zero-waste and carbon counting workshops. This collaboration was borne out of a need to find bespoke pieces but was proving to be difficult to source. The products on the market simply did not resonate with the studio’s aesthetics and principles on specifying products that were manufactured sustainably and using 100% natural materials.   

“I know that I can never really find what I’m looking for, so at House of Grey we have started creating things for ourselves and for people that feel there is an inherent lack of choice when it comes to finding interior pieces with integrity, that represent both their style and values.”

To resolve this issue, House of Grey commissioned Atelier Cabinet Makers and Sebastian Cox to work on custom-made pieces as their processes aligned with the studio’s principles. Working with Sebastian Cox, they co-designed the master bed, bedside tables, wardrobe and vanity unit. According to the designer, they specifically selected materials that would help improve the air quality by “moderating humidity and overall help with breathing”, by crafting from ebonised oak and blackened ash. Wardrobes were made using cedar wood due to its natural qualities which help to prevent moths. 

In the master bedroom, the designer chose to fill the headboard of the bed “using a combination of rubberised hair, - this material comprises of animal hair with natural latex and layered with a 100% wool wadding.” NaturalMat was also chosen for the bedding and mattress due to their manufacturing processes that are Fair Trade and using 100% biodegradable resources. 

Drawing on the ancient techniques of the Moroccan masters of Tadelakt, the designer chose to finish the walls using this natural and biodegradable wall application. Tadelakt, which is a lime-based and soap sealed solution, provides for a breathable finish that is also clean and smooth. In addition, Clayworks was used for the WC in two tones (Moon Tonal and Buff) separated with a discrete brass inlay within the wall. The brand was also chosen due to its 100% natural, eco-friendly and recyclable qualities. 

For the bathroom fixtures such as the bath and sink, the designer chose to work with Studio Loho who used “carefully selected clays mixed with pigments” in order to produce naturally finished products that were recyclable, compostable, reusable and of high quality. 

The Highgate residence is an exceptional model that illustrates how Salutogenic design can be woven into all design programmes without having to comprise on desired aesthetics. It also pioneers the industry towards understanding how to build healthier environments without the impact on the environment.

“In positive surroundings we can truly live in the moment, bringing a sense of contentment that supports our personal evolution, where we want and need less, elevating ourselves to a state of health and happiness. This is nothing new, this is the innate way of living as a human and the future of modern living”. - Louisa Grey

PHOTOGRAPHY | MICHAEL SINCLAIR