A ribbon of pale wood wraps the interior of this split-level flat renovated by architect Carl Trenfield, encompassing kitchen units, storage cupboards and a staircase.

The birch ply lining sweeps around the upper floor of the apartment, before becoming a staircase that features balustrades perforated with a design of dots and crosses.

These steps lead down to a master bedroom, guest room and bathroom.

Carl Trenfield designed the integrated furniture for a 72-square-metre split-level apartment within a Victorian property in Snaresbook, east London, which is used by a couple as their second home.

"Our approach sought to introduce a new datum, that effectively wraps the upper floor, hosts built-in furniture and continues to form the new stair, terminating at the lower ground level," said Trenfield.

"We like to think of this datum, or ribbon of sorts, as a reinterpretation and reinstatement of the traditional dado rail and panel – often found in such properties."

The period property had been stripped of many of its original features in earlier renovation works, "rendering the sleeping spaces both visually cold and unwelcoming", according to the architect.

The perforated pattern on the staircase was added as a reference to the ornamentation the property would have had, and allows a little extra light to filter down to the lower floor. A row of 8-millimetre-thick copper rods enclose the lower flight of steps.

The staircase and bespoke furniture was hand-crafted by joiner Adam Stevenson, who has collaborated with the studio on several previous projects. Stevenson used a combination of CNC and laser cutting, as well as hand-turning, to create the pieces.

Photography is by Daniel Hewitt and Carl Trenfield Architects.

Project credits:

Architect: Carl Trenfield Architects
Master craftsman: Adam Stevenson
Plywood CNC fabrication: Cut and Construct
Woven vinyl flooring: Bolon
Sanitaryware: Villeroy and Boch
Supplier of laminated worktop and table: Burton Laminates