Flat 6
A ground-floor flat in a converted Victorian school, Flat 6 is all about light and lightness. The even glow afforded by the large windows falls on soft, natural materials to create a calming space that flows harmoniously. In the summer months, the sun projects shadows of the surrounding foliage, dancing on the walls.
The deep plan and low ceiling under the mezzanine drove the decision to use lacquered birch-ply cabinetry and white concrete countertops in the kitchen, ensuring the space would not become dark. The kitchen joinery continues around into the living area, making the most of the unusual geometry of the existing masonry walls and creating ample storage throughout the flat.
Timber warms the space, creating balance with the other finishes that are clean and cool, while subtle changes in floor finishes delineate the public and private parts of the flat.
The project makes the most of the existing mezzanine and corrects some of the mistakes from the original conversion, while adding an office and enlarging the smallest bedroom. Iconic furnishings such as Noguchi pendant lights, a Superstudio desk, and the Togo chair add character to the minimal backdrop, which is carefully detailed to appear seamless.
While adding floor space for the office by moving the existing staircase, a comparable amount of space was cut away from the far-end mezzanine, revealing one of the large windows in the living room that had previously been cut in half. A second staircase, with a double-height bookcase, allows the flat to flow in a completely new, continuous way.
