Mike Mc Mahon and Jewlsy Mathews’ transformation of their home is a testament to the power of design, craftsmanship and their tireless dedication.

In the spirit of London’s Don’t Move, Improve! programme, a competition organised by New London Architecture that encourages design in everyday life and celebrates the newest and most innovative home improvement projects across London, Mike McMahon and Jewlsy Mathews, directors of Mike McMahon Studio, have transformed their Rufford Mews home into a versatile home that seamlessly combines aesthetics with the wellbeing of its inhabitants.

Every element of Rufford Mews has been carefully designed and crafted by the couple, who have demonstrated great expertise in craftsmanship. Flexibility, utility and aesthetic appeal have been optimised at every corner, meeting the dynamic needs of their growing family.

Rufford Mews is also an experimental project that offers the opportunity to push the boundaries of design, testing new ideas and materials. Geometry, a continuing source of fascination for Mike, is interwoven with the diverse range of materials found in Rufford Mews which come together in a tapestry of shapes and textures.

What distinguishes this home, beyond the carefully considered palette of materials, is the fact that Mike and Jewlsy personally made most of the furniture and cabinetry. Birch plywood takes centre stage in the living room, both in the cantilevered dining chairs, which invite gathering, and in the dining table with its sunken fruit bowl, a cosy centrepiece that adds a touch of organic charm.

The highlight of the furniture is the 40mm-thick Dinesen Douglas Fir sofa, which appears to float on concrete piles cast from recycled rainwater pipes. Accompanied by a coffee table of the same wood with undulating cork legs, these designs reflect Mike’s sculptural design sensibility.

In the master bedroom the original plywood bed offers an unusual shape with its cascading arrangement and small hidden base that alleviates the heavy visual presence of most beds.

In the kitchen, concrete worktops and side panels with the visible texture of timber formwork combine sustainability with style. Sand-blasted and recycled Douglas fir boards from the roof garden of No. 4 Pancras Square were used in their manufacture, allowing materials that were destined for the skip to be reused.

In the children’s bedroom, Mike’s playful spirit comes to life, with little windows next to the bed, providing privacy and creating a seductive space for imaginative play.

Throughout the home, geometric motifs adorn walls and surfaces, bringing a vibrant energy that enlivens the space.

Outside, the balconies have been transformed into green Junglette spaces, where the fusion of nature and architecture captivates the senses. These open-air spaces feature a mix of carefully selected exotic and indigenous species. Like sculptural marvels, the tree ferns radiate their fronds outwards, lending a touch of elegance to the surroundings and the artistic dance of creepers weaving through the balcony railings adds a touch of enchantment, appearing from below as an illusion similar to a large hanging basket.

These balconies offer a haven of tranquillity amidst the bustling cityscape. Here, the lush foliage not only adds beauty, but also serves as a natural barrier, providing a sense of seclusion that allows for quiet moments of reflection.

Project: Rufford Mews.
Interior design: Mike McMahon Studio.
Design and construction of furniture: Mike McMahon Studio.
Photography: Peter Molloy.
Text: Mike McMahon Studio.

Mike McMahon Studio

Mike Mc Mahon is a highly qualified multidisciplinary architect and designer with nearly 20 years experience in the industry. BScArch (Hons) Dip Arch MArch ARB. He has worked on a wide range of commercial, educational and residential projects in the UK, Europe and India. Mike has a special passion for furniture design and manufacture, and believes that the manufacturing process helps him to realise his design ideas.

Prior to founding his own practice, Mike worked as an associate at Eric Parry Architects, where he collaborated on a number of award-winning projects, including the multi-award winning 4 Pancras Square, rated outstanding by BREEAM, and 11 Belgrave Road, with a focus on sustainability. Prior to Eric Parry Architects, Mike also worked at Wright & Wright Architects, where he contributed to the planning of The Architecture Association. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, Mike is committed to creating designs that have a positive impact on the built environment.

To complement his studio work, Mike is a visiting lecturer at Cambridge University, Sheffield University and Central St Martins. He is an advocate of the transformative power of design and is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and experience with others. He is active in the architectural community and always finds opportunities to collaborate with like-minded professionals to make a meaningful difference through his work.

Jewlsy Mathews, having studied two very different degrees, Anthropology at UCL and Optometry at City University London, Jewlsy has always been passionate about the pursuit of knowledge. After completing her second degree, she has held various management positions and headed up departments at eyewear design companies Cubitts and Finlay London.

Jewlsy is a multi-skilled professional who loves to automate processes to minimise red tape and spend more time on core work. She is a firm believer that the systems and processes that govern any business have a profound impact on its success. Relevant aspects of her roles have focused primarily on product development, regulation, compliance and people management. Outside of the studio, Jewlsy spends her time cooking up culinary delights in the kitchen or delving into the latest intrigues of Westminster politics.

Project by Mike Mc Mahon