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Hackney
£50,000 to £99,999
Alteration to existing property, Within a Conservation Area
54 Regent Studios , 8 Andrews Road , London , E8 4QN , United Kingdom
The design uses level changes, sliding walls and transparency to host a range of activities in a single flowing space. A concise material palette of oak and ceramics create clear and simple forms that accentuate the scale of the existing form, while also offering a warm contrast to the concrete shell. The existing apartment consisted of a single bedroom and an open space that stretched deep into the plan of the building. Despite the existing glazing, the social areas and kitchen were dingy. There was no opportunity for guest accommodation, a home office or storage - all of which were increasingly required by the client. The design creates a series of new spaces that fulfil these criteria by inserting new partitions, a mezzanine floor, and a full height sliding partition. The mezzanine floor creates a desk platform over a new storage space that allows a separate designated workspace that still connects socially with the kitchen beyond. The sliding wall allows for the temporary creation of a separate second bedroom to accommodate occasional visitors or private exercise. The repositioning and redesign of the kitchen places it at heart of the space, creating a much needed social focus for the apartment. "The transformation of our loft from a dark, awkward, and dated space to a bright, social home was way beyond our expectations . . .a perfect place to live and work"