This beautiful, contemporary penthouse benefits of a superb location. It is situated in the heart of St John’s Wood, right next to the famous Beatles zebra-crossing and Abbey Road Studios. The space is very unusual as it is one of thirteen apartments in a converted orthodox church. Its shape feels like half a cake, with identical towers either side of it. Although the apartment was fairly new, it came with a very ascetic developer finish and an over-complicated layout. The first thing VORBILD Architecture did was to declutter the main area, which came with two entrance doors and several internal doors dividing up this exceptional space. We were able to remove all previous internal doors and join the spaces on the main level into one. The high ceilings in the centre were not previously taken advantage off. They are now fully utilised with a new curved steel mezzanine, clad with frameless glazing and overlooking the kitchen, living and dining area below. The frameless glazing follows down to the main level where you step onto a new walnut and oak staircase. The apartment has many levels, joined by light oak steps and protected by almost invisible frameless glazing. The mezzanine houses a new master bedroom. It has plenty of light due to the curved glazed wall and two roof light above. We designed a bespoke low height built in wardrobe with hanging space as well as drawers, taking into an account the sloping shape of the walls. The new kitchen comes with a wide Range cooker, incredible fridge/freezer drawers, an island unit with a wine fridge and full-height storage. A custom-shaped stainless steel worktop contrasts well with the adjacent concrete walls and splash backs. Either side of the new kitchen, we designed concrete-clad bathrooms with fully lit ceilings made of plexiglass panels. The walls and flooring are made of real concrete panels, which give a cooling effect; while underfloor heating keeps the space warm. Both the ventilation and lighting are hidden above. In one of the bathrooms, we integrated an overhead shower into the ceiling and built in a washing machine within beautifully detailed walnut joinery. The other bathroom has a suave Laufen bath with mood lighting and Aquavision TV to help to unwind after a busy day. Both towers house now a bedroom each and storage as well. New walnut furniture was custom-designed throughout and provides storage in the often difficult-shaped spaces.