Marta Nowicka & Co, a London-based firm known for its innovative design solutions, has masterfully converted the former St John’s Ambulance Station in Rye, East Sussex, England, into a stunning family retreat that seamlessly combines industrial elements with a warm and inviting ambiance. The project, named St John’s Rye, pays homage to the building’s rich history while infusing contemporary touches to create a unique and welcoming space.
Originally built in the 1950s to house two ambulances, the St John’s Ambulance Station has now been reimagined as a picturesque four-bedroom holiday home. Situated within a private walled courtyard alongside a Grade-II listed Georgian house, which once served as the service’s headquarters, the station boasts an industrial-chic aesthetic that harmonizes perfectly with its historic surroundings.
Marta Nowicka’s design approach revolves around restoring the charming brick walls found throughout the property. These meticulously preserved features create a captivating backdrop for the contemporary design elements integrated into the space. The use of grey oak panels, which extend from the floors to the walls of the double-height stairwell and the bedrooms, adds a sense of continuity and warmth. In areas where oak isn’t employed, the white-painted walls contribute to the overall brightness and airiness of the interior.
One of the most notable transformations within the property is the creation of a new bedroom floor in the twin-gabled roof space. Additionally, the removal of a dividing wall on the ground floor has resulted in an expansive open-plan area that seamlessly integrates the kitchen, living, and dining spaces. The central focus of the ground floor is a striking concrete plinth that supports a double-sided wood burner, exuding a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Emphasizing a balance between historical elements and modern design, the architects have paid tribute to the building’s heritage through various design elements. Notably, the kitchen incorporates subtle medical references, showcasing a brushed stainless-steel island that nods to the medical industry. This feature complements the sand-blasted, greyed timber cabinets and exquisite Carrera marble worktops and splash-backs, creating a stylish and functional space that seamlessly blends with the property’s overall aesthetic.
The first floor reveals a thoughtfully curated bathroom adorned with a stainless steel nurses’ trolley that has been repurposed into a sophisticated vanity unit, complete with a generously sized basin and an elegantly designed mirror. The seamless integration of historical relics into modern functionality is a testament to the careful curation and meticulous attention to detail present throughout the property.
As part of the redevelopment, Marta Nowicka & Co has added a two-story extension to the structure. This innovative addition has enabled the creation of an inviting entrance hall and study on the ground floor, while a spacious bedroom and a contemporary family bathroom have been introduced on the first floor. Clad in local Lydd handmade clay peg tiles, the extension pays homage to the architectural style of the surrounding buildings while blending harmoniously with the existing red brick structure.
The transformation of St John’s Rye stands as a testament to Marta Nowicka & Co’s ability to weave contemporary design into the fabric of historical structures, seamlessly blending the old with the new. This project joins a collection of other stunning architectural conversions showcased on Dezeen, highlighting the transformative power of design and the creative repurposing of disused buildings into captivating homes.