The oak slatted ceiling that spans the
open-plan kitchen, living and dining
space allows for lighting to be easily
reconfigured to suit different layouts.
In a small apartment such as this, it
was vital to make use of all available
nooks and crannies in order to
maximise on room sizes and reduce
visual clutter. In the heart of the plan,
the utility cupboard, media centre and
walk-in master wardrobe are grouped
together, to avoid dead corners that
waste precious storage space.
Both the utility cupboard and walk-
in wardrobe are concealed behind
frameless doors. The media centre
and the client’s record collection
are housed in a recess in the living
room wall that can be hidden away by
sliding/ folding doors that align flush
with the wood panelling and door from
the hallway when closed.
There is also a full height storage
wall which is concealed behind the
oak panelled bedhead in the master
bedroom. All of the services are
hidden in areas where storage was not
possible.
The flue and ventilation extracts to
outside are located above the external
stainless steel shelf detail a the head of
the rendered walls so that it is discrete
as possible. The kitchen extract is
hidden behind the splashback of the
external kitchen.
All of the materials we chose form a
palette of muted, natural colours that
reference the Japanese aesthetic of Zen
palaces.
The materials are colour true with a
matte or satin brushed finish, so that
as the apartment ages the finishes
will develop a patina from use, ageing
gracefully over time.
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We have installed the latest home
technology within the apartment but
have taken care to hide it away as
much as possible. As new kit becomes
available, the flat has been designed
so that it can be completely rewired
without damaging the internal finishes.
All of the existing fabric has been
dramatically upgraded in terms of
thermal performance, including the
installation of a new energy-efficient
boiler, whole house ventilation with
heat recovery and below ground
rainwater harvesting. It is our hope
that by rethinking the flat in this way,
it will ensure that it’s lifespan will be
extended for at least another 100 years.
T +44(0)20 8743 4401
www.neildaviesarchitects.com
[email protected]