Culford Gardens
The brief called for a complete
modernisation of a two-bedroom
1980s basement apartment in Chelsea.
With both light and space in short
supply, the client asked for a piece of
architecture that possessed the spirit
and sophistication of traditional and
contemporary Japanese architecture
without reverting to pastiche.
As the building is located at the lowest
level of a 6 story Victorian terrace. The
decision was made to strip the apartment
back to the structural frame in order to
optimise the design in terms of ceiling
heights and construction tolerances,
which also included removal of the
existing screed. To make the most of
the south-facing courtyard garden, the
windows were made full height and the
rear French doors enlarged to bring the
outdoor spaces into the flat.
To further emphasise the fluidity of space
between inside and out, the kitchen run
continues into the garden.
The courtyard itself has been conceived
as a series of rooms suitable for
entertaining. For example, the lounge
area features an external kitchen
complete with a barbecue and up lit
bamboo planter in lieu of a hearth.
The outdoor dining area has recessed
lighting, the outdoor bathing area is
equipped with a timber-faced hot tub,
and a contemplation space is anchored
by an Acer.
A poured resin floor unifies the entire
apartment with a seamless finish
between the rooms, and combined with
ultra-slim acoustic linings in the ceiling,
maximises the ceiling height. In addition,
doors are full height so that ceilings are
continuous between the rooms.
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