Timeless End-Grain Floor Installation for a Mid-Century Townhouse | Dulwich SE21
In 1954, architect Austin Vernon was commissioned to design new homes that would revitalise the Dulwich Estate, which had suffered significant damage during the Second World War. The result was a collection of elegant, modern townhouses that remain highly sought after today. The project included the first floor open-plan reception room with windows at both ends, flooding the space with natural light. Our work focused on this area, along with the hallway and staircase, enhancing the home’s timeless character.
The clients wanted a floor that would be both long-lasting and true to the design era of their home, reflecting the modernism of the 1960s without feeling overly retro. End grain flooring offered the perfect balance: a timeless, characterful solution that complemented the property’s architecture. Working closely with the clients, we refined their vision and guided them through the design process, ensuring they felt confident and excited about their choices. We custom-made the floor in our workshop carefully cutting Scandinavian pine beams into square blocks measuring 92mm x 92mm. By carefully controlling the thickness of each block, we achieved a seamless floor height with future sanding potential — ensuring a lifespan of more than 120 years.
End grain flooring is a distinctive type of wood flooring. Unlike traditional planks cut lengthwise, end grain blocks are sawn across the grain, revealing the annual rings of the tree. This gives the surface a unique texture, exceptional durability, and a natural warmth that elevates any interior.
We replaced the original pine floorboards on the landing which were in a poor condition with engineered oak boards. We utilised our craftsmanship skills to maintain the same floor level for a smooth and seamless transition. The staircase was carefully strengthened by reinforcing its substructure, ensuring lasting stability.
To complete the look, the risers and stringers were painted in Farrow & Ball signature Pointing White, while the treads and landing were finished in Farrow & Ball classic Cooking Apple Green, reflecting the home’s warm character. Finally, we applied two coats of Osmo natural pine oil — the first to enhance the colour and the second to provide durable protection. The clients were delighted with the end result.
The clients wanted a floor that would be both long-lasting and true to the design era of their home, reflecting the modernism of the 1960s without feeling overly retro. End grain flooring offered the perfect balance: a timeless, characterful solution that complemented the property’s architecture. Working closely with the clients, we refined their vision and guided them through the design process, ensuring they felt confident and excited about their choices. We custom-made the floor in our workshop carefully cutting Scandinavian pine beams into square blocks measuring 92mm x 92mm. By carefully controlling the thickness of each block, we achieved a seamless floor height with future sanding potential — ensuring a lifespan of more than 120 years.
End grain flooring is a distinctive type of wood flooring. Unlike traditional planks cut lengthwise, end grain blocks are sawn across the grain, revealing the annual rings of the tree. This gives the surface a unique texture, exceptional durability, and a natural warmth that elevates any interior.
We replaced the original pine floorboards on the landing which were in a poor condition with engineered oak boards. We utilised our craftsmanship skills to maintain the same floor level for a smooth and seamless transition. The staircase was carefully strengthened by reinforcing its substructure, ensuring lasting stability.
To complete the look, the risers and stringers were painted in Farrow & Ball signature Pointing White, while the treads and landing were finished in Farrow & Ball classic Cooking Apple Green, reflecting the home’s warm character. Finally, we applied two coats of Osmo natural pine oil — the first to enhance the colour and the second to provide durable protection. The clients were delighted with the end result.
Project Year: 2025
Project Cost: £10,001 - £25,000
