Darbourne & Darke set a precedent for low-rise, community-friendly estates when they designed the Marquess neighbourhood in Islington, London, in the late 1960s. The wide, dark-brick ‘roof streets’ were an innovative way to connect residents with the surrounding landscape and with one another.

This original one-bed Marquess flat was recently renovated by Built Works, the architects who lived there for years. Accessed by the roof-street network, it has prime views of the New River Walk, a haven for waterbirds, and a colour scheme that echoes the lush treetop panorama and communal garden.

The architects built a new ply kitchen in the open-plan living room and designed bespoke integrated storage along one wall. The floor is a uniform, hard-wearing resin. The kitchen and bath share a through-line of terrazzo surfaces, matt-black hardware, and fluted accents.

The Modern House has listed the property for £490,000.

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